Reviewer's Choice

In Karla Huston's latest chapbook Catch and Release, the reader is seamlessly transported all the
way from a fourth-grade infatuation to a middle-aged mother dirty-dancing in the kitchen in the
hilarious poem "How I Went from Cooler than Ratshit to Lame and Really Annoying." These
poems
posess a remarkable immediacy, as if the narrative of each poem were indeed happening as we
read
them, from the shores of a Midwestern lake to deserts filled saguaros--their ancient arms raised/ in
praised of great and dangerous things.

Huston is repeatedly fearless in her poems, veering the reader into bold and unexpected places, as
in
the poem "Eighth Hour," a wry musing on the significance of the number 8. Aren't odd numbers
more satisfying? The Sacred One, the Three Graces, the 5 W's of reporting. . . . she asks. After
encountering the Beatles and the Beatitudes, we arrive at the eight ladybugs stuck tight to my
windshielf and the glorious surprise of maples trees swallowed by sun.

Several poems explore the absurdities of our daily lives, as in her delightfully fresh prose poem
Run
Amok, where the speaker takes to reading the tabloid headlines while waiting in the supermarket
checkout line. She gets carried away--as the reader the does with her--in the frenzy of Lizard Man
clubbing a woman to death in the South, the Abominable Snowman forming an army in Tibet, and
finally, the dire possibility of any minute New York City's gators will mutate into Republicans.

None of these poems shy away from sorrow, as the Niagara Falls jumper who does it for the cold
cocoon of it/tumbling/throwing me/against every thing/that had ever gone wrong, a pristine and
compassionate revelation of how people might respond to the pain of this life. In her stunning title
poem "Catch and Release," Huston wonders about the two boys discovered under frozen ice, the
grief that will abide and yet inevitably change form in the families left behind: a different ache will
lure them/and they will know/there is no getting beyond the pull of the shore. The dead have their
own living presence here--the second rising that always comes in spring--and, thus, a kind of
aching
consolation for the living.

Often feisty, funny and always steeped in emotional truth, this chapbook is to be savored and
returned to again and again. With an almost joyful sense of agony, it makes us remember all the
selves we were and might yet be.

The teaching and learning of English as a native language and as a second or foreign language
take
place in so many different contexts in the present world that the reader may interpret upper
elementary English language learners' in a variety of ways. Certainly, it could be taken to refer to
the
level of achievement of a learner population, or learners in general. It is very appropriate,
therefore,
that the authors begin with a chapter clearly delineating the group they are concerned with;
English
as a second language learners in the upper grades of the elementary school system in the US.

Communicative approaches to ESL and other foreign language teaching have dominated
education
policy, teacher training and curriculum design to such an extent since the emergence of Krashen
and
Terrell's Natural Approach and Larry Selinker's Interlanguage theories in the 1970s and early
1980s
that the teaching of second language literacy has received relatively little attention. The
significance
of reading, in particular, is increasingly acknowledged and emphasized even by proponents of
methods that support natural-like acquisition rather than more artificial taught' modes of language
instruction.

Although literacy has always been an important issue in society and educational policy, its
significance has increased greatly in the US and the UK over the past twenty-five years1, for
native
speakers of the English language, as well as for immigrant children, or children of
non-English-speaking parents. (No Child Left Behind legislation (2001) in the US, and the Right
Start initiative in the UK, for example). The authors refer to the relevant legislation at various
points, but they are at pains to draw attention to the fact that it may often result in a disservice to
English language learners ( struggling ELLs') who are having difficulty simultaneously coping
with
the demands of both reading and writing in English and the content curriculum in the upper grades
of elementary school. This is because, in grades four through six which the authors mainly focus
on,
there is a lot of pressure on class teachers to achieve results in terms of percentages of students
succeeding in state and national standardized tests, and there may be little or no language
assistance
for some ELLs who still need it. This frequently occurs because these learners have been
mainstreamed', or placed in regular or mainstream' English-only programs through scoring at
particular cut-off scores in a standardized English proficiency test, or because their parents have
chosen to enroll them in monolingual English-speaking schools, in the belief that this will
encourage
them to master English more quickly and naturally. The result is often that they are no longer
identified as ELLs and receive instruction designed for their English-speaking peers, with no
allowance for the fact that they may not have the literacy skills to meet the different literacy
demands
of the curriculum. They are taught by regular classroom teachers, many of whom have had no
specialized training in this area (p.7).

Carrasquillo, Kucer and Abrams begin from this vantage point and set out to provide concrete
practical solutions to a very pressing concrete problem; the fact that there are these children out
there in regular classrooms, struggling to cope with reading and writing in English as a second
language, and trying to learn the content in other subject areas through English, now. Suggestions
for helping to identify and assist ELLs from kindergarten up are not going to help them right now,
when they need it. So, their subtitle is very appropriately Literacy Interventions' for the upper
grades; ways that teachers can intervene almost at once to give these older children the additional
support they need, which may also be very useful to some of their low-literacy-level monolingual
peers. With all the current debate concerning literacy, it could hardly be more timely.

Most of the book is a reflection of the authors' concern with the practical, in terms of student
needs,
teachers' limitations of time and resources, the classroom situation, budget restrictions, and, in the
final chapter, parents' or family circumstances. Carrasquillo et al have obviously given a good deal
of consideration to the planning and design and writing of their text, so that it is accessible to the
people for whom it is written, who are the most able to make a difference: busy classroom
teachers.
This begins with the very clear and concise statement of findings and purposes in the Introduction,
which is re-enforced on page ? with Organization of the Book'; a brief summary of the contents
of
the eight chapters it contains, and continues through the layout of the chapters, each with its own
title/contents page.

Chapter 1: English Language Learners in United States Schools, deals with the issue of defining a
typical' ELL student, because of the diversity in the population of school learners, the challenges
that face the challenges that face them, and the language assistance currently available within the
school system; and introduces the problem of those for whom it is inadequate, the struggling'
English language learners. Chapter 2: English Literacy Development and English Language
Learners
looks at the theoretical background to the book's discussion of literacy, examining the nature of
both First Language literacy and its development and Second Language acquisition. It also
includes
a discussion of issues involved in planning instruction for ELLs. Chapter 3: Moving Beyond the
Transition: Struggling English Literacy Learners in the Regular/Mainstream Classroom sets out
the
problems facing struggling English Language Learners in the upper grades of elementary
education
in the United States, with their varied abilities, backgrounds and needs, as they try to come to
grips
with the increasing literacy demands at that stage. Chapter 4: Instructional Writing Strategies for
Struggling English Language Learners introduces instructional methods and strategies, such as
scaffolding, to help students progress towards independence in writing academic English. Chapter
5:
Instructional Practices to Promote Reading Development in English Language Learners outlines
strategies for instruction and for the learner to promote their ability to construct meaning from
text
when reading in English, and eventually their fluency in reading in that language. Chapter 6:
English
Literacy Across the Curriculum basically expands the ideas suggested in Chapter 5 to other
content
areas of the curriculum; Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics, with specific instructional
modifications proposed in each area. Chapter 7: A Framework for Assessing English Literacy
Among Struggling English Language Learners provides a theoretical framework to answer the
questions of how to assess ELLs and what type of assessment should be used for instructional and
assessment purposes, with particular emphasis on the assessment of literacy. And Chapter 8:
Developing collaborative Literacy Relationships with Parents, focuses on the important role that
parents whose native language is not English can play, and the writers believe should play, in their
children's English literacy development. The parents' own standards of literacy are among the
issues
raised.

The frequent use of diagrammatic or tabular presentation of key information or examples also
contributes significantly to the text's overall user friendliness, encapsulating the details in a form
that
is readily memorized or visualized by the reader who will need to call upon them later either at the
lesson planning stage, or during actual classroom teaching.

Chapter 1 not only identifies the group of learners involved, but also the challenges they face as
double learners' of English and the content curriculum, and how the latter may be particularly
challenging because it requires them to be familiar with and employ distinctive cognitive language
and literacy functions for the different subject areas as they progress through the grades. The
diversity among the population of struggling ELLs in the upper grades is given some emphasis
here,
in terms of their first language background and literacy and extent of formal schooling, as well as
the
amount of English language assistance they may have received. The authors are critical of
educational policy in the US that emphasizes learning/academic standards, especially English
language arts curriculum standards, which means that there is an emphasis on teaching English
and
through English to English language learners as fast as possible, with the result that many of these
learners receive most or all of their instruction from teachers who have no specialized training in
dealing with such students or their special needs. Carrasquillo et al do acknowledge the
contribution
other researchers have made to raising educators' awareness of the challenges ELLs face in
meeting
the academic standards of the school curriculum, but fail to indicate whether this has had any
practical effect at classroom level so far.

An important factor they do draw attention to here is the oral fluency of some of the learners,
especially those who were born in the US, or who have already spent quite a long time there. The
significance of this lies in its impact on teachers' (and often parents') perception of the child's
English ability, especially as it is often not matched by their academic language proficiency which
will determine their success in the content areas in the upper grades, where reading and writing
become increasingly the tools of learning, not its goals.

In Chapter 2, the writers provide a theoretical overview of ESL literacy development, through a
consideration of accepted thinking on the nature of first language literacy and second language
acquisition. While no one would argue with the soundness of presenting the relevant research
background to their recommendations, and there is certainly a need to condense what is actually
currently a very wide-ranging discussion in the area of ESL literacy development, their case here
might be strengthened by including some reference to relevant studies in L2 reading. Schema
theory,
for example, surely needs to take into account the diverse cultural backgrounds of the learners
involved, and Carrell's work in this area deserves to be brought to the attention of classroom
teachers who may not be familiar with it. The discussion concerning the notion of a linguistic
threshold' that is necessary before transfer of skills or strategies from first language to second
language use can take place (p.25) is another opportunity to relate to ESL reading researchers,
such
as Alderson (1984, 2000), Devine (1987, 1988), Urquhart (1998), etc. Cummins (1979)
BICS/CALP distinction is very pertinently introduced, for its theoretical support of the authors'
own
observations of the gap that often exists between their struggling ELLs'' oral proficiency and the
academic language they need to successfully complete courses in the content areas, such as math
or
science.

One is, however, left at the end of the chapter with a sense of having seen several of the
theoretical
threads involved in the background to the learners' current situation, but of not having really seen
them successfully woven together into a coherent tapestry. This is perhaps inevitable to some
extent,
given the size of the two main research fields referred to (literacy development and second
language
acquisition), but nonetheless, linear organization of the material could probably be improved here.
This is rare in a work that is, for the most part, well organized and accessible.

In Chapter 3, the focus is on how the changes in instructional style and mode of transmitting
information that occur as students enter the upper grades of elementary education impact on
ELLs
in mainstream classrooms, frequently compounding already existing difficulties resulting from
their
lack of literacy skills in English. It is at this level that learning to read is increasingly replaced by
reading to learn and students become more and more responsible for their own learning. One
result
of this is that ELLs with poor English reading skills at this stage receive less support from the
teacher at a time when they probably need more as they face the demands of more complex
matters
in the subject areas, especially mathematics, social science, and science subjects. 3

Carrasquillo et al are critical of the emphasis on what the learners lack, rather than on their
capabilities, which will appeal instinctively to many experienced classroom teachers, familiar with
the
generally more positive results achieved by building on whatever strengths a learner may have.
They
may, however, be accused of being over optimistic in stating that Children do not enter the
instructional context without knowing how to talk' (p.34). This is, unfortunately, precisely a
growing source of concern for educators in the US, the increasing number of children (many of
them
US-born) from immigrant families who arrive at school with very little command of any language,
largely due to their families' economic circumstances. Such children may have a superficial fluency
in English, acquired from long hours spent in front of a TV while their parents are working, but
frequently not enough to carry on a conversation at an age appropriate level. These children suffer
from the double disadvantage of not having learned English or their first language very well
because
of insufficient contact time with mature speakers of either language prior to starting school.
Rather
than being bilingual, they have been described as alingual'. 2

This news really serves to reinforce the urgency the writers' are trying to impart and would be a
valuable addition to their argument that intervention to improve ELLs' literacy skills in English is
necessary immediately, and that early emphasis on decoding needs to be replaced by more
attention
to teaching important strategies, such as the use of context.

The specific instructional practices for promoting reading and writing development in English
language learners outlined in Chapters 4 and 5, and the examples of their application to different
content areas in school found in Chapter 6, will be of practical use to many teachers of English in
a
variety of ESL/EFL contexts. The tables on pages 52 and 54, for example, designed to present
text
structures, signals and the writing process, could usefully be employed in reading or writing
classes
in secondary school or college level EFL classes where the students' native language may be
organized very differently from English. Statements such as [Many upper elementary ELLs
students] are so concerned with the surface structure of the text that they ignore the meaning.' (p.
56), or Many students experience difficulty integrating and synthesizing information.' (p. 58) will
certainly sound a familiar note to many ESOL teachers abroad as well as in the US.

There is a growing body of classroom research evidence to support the authors' contention that it
is
possible to teach struggling readers to use strategies more efficiently, and thereby improve their
comprehension skills (p. 67), and these chapters in particular will repay any ESOL teacher's
careful
reading and re-reading, providing a wealth of detailed instructional strategies adaptable to
individual
circumstances. The only thing absent here, although there are several references to using real
objects, pictures, films and other visual or physical clues to clarify meaning' (p. 89, for example),
is a
discussion of how to encourage learners to make more effective use of the variety of illustrations
they will encounter in their various textbooks. The learner's cultural background may influence
their
ability to integrate and synthesize information from the text and from accompanying illustrations,
and this is likely to be particularly significant in the teaching/learning of the sciences, where formal
diagrams abound.

The difficulties involved in assessing the English literacy skills of struggling English language
learners are addressed in depth in Chapter 7, with the strong recommendation that schools
develop
their own batteries of authentic' assessment (teacher observations, checklists, etc) to supplement
the standardized state and national tests and provide a more complete picture of the strengths and
needs of ELLs. After initial discussion of this, and how necessary it is to acquire good all round
information on students' abilities, so that appropriate instructional decisions can be made, there
are,
again, concrete suggestions as to how teachers can set about authentically assessing reading and
writing skills. Attention is rightly drawn to the need to identify whether a struggling reader's
problems are simply due to a lack of English proficiency or to a variety of other factors. (See, for
example, Alderson, 1984, 2000; Devine, 1987, 1988.)

The rationale behind state level standardized testing and its potential usefulness for assessing
ELLs
abilities, and the aims and shortcomings of the No Child Left Behind' legislation (2001) are
clearly
presented, with recommendations for improving matters for struggling English learners. The
insistence that assessment should inform individual instruction is to be seen in this context, where
the
measures actually being used in many cases are not capable of providing teachers with adequate
data
on individual students on which to base such instruction.

The final chapter of the book very sensibly, and quite courageously, given the nature and size of
some of the difficulties involved, tackles the issue of involving the parents of struggling English
language learners more with their children's ongoing literacy development. The very real barriers
to
such parental involvement that may exist are acknowledged, but the writers refer to the body of
research evidence showing beneficial effects for parental involvement, and place the burden of
responsibility for organizing this squarely on the shoulders of the individual schools. Parents'
participation is important for a variety of reasons detailed here, but one of the more interesting to
note is that the authors recommend it as a means of ensuring that the children develop literacy in
whichever is their stronger language, in the firm belief that they can transfer skills later (p.
135).

Clear, supported suggestions are given concerning how schools might go about setting up a
program
of collaboration with students' parents, which would benefit everyone concerned.

The book concludes with a good starter list of resources for teachers of ELLs, particularly the list
of
websites, and it is good to see the extensive work of Rebecca Oxford on learning strategies at
least
receiving mention here. As mentioned above, the list could be expanded to include some of the
background research by more established researchers in the field of ESL reading. The following
two
works, for example, both provide a good representative sample of papers and are both widely
available through libraries; Joanne Devine, Patricia L. Carrell and David E. Eskey (Eds.),
Research
in Reading in English as a Second Language, (1987), TESOL: Washington, DC; or P. Carrell, J.
Devine and D. Eskey (Eds.), Interactive Approaches to Second Language Reading, (1988),
Cambridge Applied Linguistics Series, Cambridge University Press.

The book needs little improvement as a whole, however. It would certainly be a very worthwhile
investment for anyone engaged in the field of teaching English as a second or foreign language,
wherever they might be working.

NOTES

1 The Schools Council Project on Reading for Learning in the Secondary School, 1980, for
example.

3 Teachers working in an EFL situation in Japan, like myself, might draw parallels here with the
Japanese education system's introduction of English language learning in the first grade of junior
high school, just as learning/teaching modes become more presentational and formal (as in the US
upper elementary grades).

What a great first novel! Mr. Keady writes of places he has lived which provides a first-hand and
accurate knowledge of the area of the country he writes about. What was even better is that I live
in
the St. Louis area and have lived in the Keokuk Iowa area as well so I know the descriptions of
these places are accurate.

The story is structured around lawyers, politics, terrorism and government secrecy. The main
character, Peter Farrell, is an attorney living in St. Louis. He meets with a client and finds himself
deep into a government conspiracy, complete with bribes and blackmail. His brother is murdered
and
the frame-up makes it look like Peter is to blame. Not knowing who to trust, Peter runs for refuge
and help in the only girl he has ever loved, Sara Ahrens. Sara believes she can help him provide
the
truth to the police through her father. Belatedly, she finds out her father is a part of the
conspiracy.

The two run to a family friend of Sara's, Redwood, who has been in the political/security scene
many years ago. While the life he lives shows to the world a backwoods man, he has kept up on
the
technology and abilities of his past life. This saves Peter and Sara from sure death. Once again on
the
run, they end up with the President of the United States and his right-hand man. This time, the
President is killed and yet another murder is added to Peter's supposed killing spree. Who is
behind
all of this? What is the agenda of that person? The finger points to Elias St. Armand, son of
Lebanese parents, who believe his way is the only way to save the world.

Between the political intrigue, the up-to-date scenarios of world problems and various people
trying
to accomplish their own agendas, Mr. Keady writes a powerful story. It was one I didn't want to
put
down. There were sections that were a bit hard for me to keep straight as I am not fully versed in
today's politics and who is terrorizing who but even with that, I was able to follow the main
thread
of the story with no difficulty. For anyone who knows the past history of other countries and
keeps
up with today's headlines, the story would be a breeze to read and understand the deeper intrigue
and meaning of this first novel. I hope Mr. Keady intends to write a second novel because he
writes
in a clear and easy to understand language on today's topics.

A journey of self-exploration soon turned into an emotional collection of poetry. A project
manager
by day and a spoken word artist by night, Cozean Hedrick's journey is simple, all of us have been
at
these same low and high points in our lives, but his message is profound, leaving a significant
impact
upon anyone who stops for just one second and reads some of his work. From Anticipation to
Revelation at Dawn and from loving yourself to respecting the one you are with, the reader can't
help but to enjoy this poetic journey of love as Hedrick's "takes this chance by unlocking his heart
to
the world."

Cozean Hedrick is a graduate of Indiana University where he was first introduced to poetry by a
friend. His first published poem, "My Lord, My Confidence," can be found in another collection
of
poetry entitled V103's Poetic Moments, by Joyce Little. Hedrick's currently lives in Atlanta,
Georgia where he works as a program manager. For more information on the poet please visit his
web site at www.paperbacklounge.com

Leeway Cottage is a summer place on the Maine coast at Dundee, from which most of the action
of
the story takes place. Sydney Brant is a lonely young child, surrounded by wealth. Her mother has
fondness for things and position rather than her child. Her father's affection is precious to Sydney
but his alcoholism ultimately distances him from her. She finds comfort with her contemporaries
who inhabit this vacation community and that group is her stronghold all of her life.

This is the story of her marriage to Laurus Moss, a famed Danish musician. While she is pregnant
with her first child in the early part of WWII, Laurus decides he must join the war effort and he
goes
to England. The Nazis step up the persecution of Danish Jews and while he works for Danish
resistance in London his brother Kaj and sister Nina join the struggle against the Nazi occupation
at
home. These last know they must get their parents, their mother being a Jew, out of Denmark to
Sweden. Creatures of habit, the parents are unwilling to leave home, scoffing at the Nazi threat.
Finally they agree to go. "They wished they had listened to the children the night before.
Frightened
and chastened, they are listening now." (p182)

Back in the States, Sydney's life is far removed from stressful Denmark. She and Eleanor, her first
born, enjoy each other's company as she deals with food ration stamps and other inconveniences
of
war experienced by the privileged American classes. Laurus' parents arrive safely in Sweden. Nina
is
captured by the Nazis and sent to a camp in Denmark at first, later she is transported to
Ravensbruck in Germany. Her life there is a tableau of horror from which she never really
recovers.

At war's end, Laurus returns, Sydney is ecstatic. They resume their marriage and have two more
children. "somewhere during the war years, when his attention was elsewhere, her dish of weights
had gotten so full of must and should and want to and can't and won't, that it has plunged toward
the
ground, leaving Laurus' light and amiable dish of can, and have, and why not, swinging in the
breeze." (p263) Their different temperaments become apparent. Friends wonder why Laurus stays
with Sydney. His explanation of the Danish character seems to give the answer. "Danes love
peace.
And they love comfort, and they'll sacrifice a lot for them. But they cannot enjoy peace and
comfort
while behaving badly. . . . They trust each other to behave. . . .They act (respectfully) out of
simple
pride." (276)

Laurus' family of origin, now reunited, visit at Leeway Cottage. Aunt Nina accompanies them but
the children are uncomfortable around her, "she was so touchy and reserved and they knew their
mother thought she was basically a pain in the ass." (p233) Nina's and Sydney's lives are too
disparate to allow for any empathy.

The author implies throughout that Sydney is a very spoiled, self-indulgent person but perhaps she
was just a person frantically searching for someone to love her while being incapable of loving her
own self due to an affection deprived childhood. Either way this study of a mid twentieth century
marriage is worth the read. Beth Gutcheon's research regarding the Nazi invasion of Denmark is
an
added bonus to a remarkable saga of life on both sides of the Atlantic during and after
WWII.

Bin-daa-dee-nin and You-his-kishn carry their badly wounded brother, Nzhu-'a'c-siin, into a cave.
For the moment, they can breathe. But tomorrow, what can they do? Return to the Mescalero
Apache reservation from which they've run to escape the filth, disease, and starvation that killed
their father and mother? No! They'll remain in the mountains, raiding ranches, until they escape to
Mexico, or die at the hands of the white soldiers.

Bin-daa-dee-nin prays to the Mountain Gods for help. A beautiful--and completely tame--pinto
horse appears. The boy can ride it instantly. Surely this is the answer to his prayer. Now he can
hunt.
He and his brothers might just survive.

But, the army comes. The Apaches flee one way, and the horse runs another. Rancher's daughter,
Sarah Chilton, finds it. It becomes hers, until the terrifying night the Apaches come raiding. A boy
about her age snatches the horse out of her father's corral.

From this beginning, Albuquerque author Karen Taschek's youth novel, HORSE OF SEVEN
MOONS, turns into a frightening turn-of-the 20th Century cat-and-mouse game between two
cultures trying to survive in southern New Mexico.

Bringing their opposing lives and values together through the horse--Moon Dancer to Sarah, and
Moon that Flies to Bin-daa-dee-nin--Taschek presents the plight of the Apaches fighting to stay
free
in their home lands, and the anguish of the settlers struggling to protect ranches they have
built.

She shows the conflict in realistic fashion, using language that is simple and direct, but never
simplistic. Neither settlers nor Apaches like each other, and neither considers how the other might
feel. Yet, the reader sympathizes with both by the end of HORSE OF SEVEN MOONS. The fate
of
Bin-daa-dee-nin, Sarah, and Moon-that-Flies/Moon Dancer leaves happiness, pain, and a touch of
sadness--as life can do.

In today's corporate world, the performance of a company's sales team can determine if they will
sink or swim. The sales team is responsible for seeking out opportunities from current customers
and creating opportunities from potential customers. In the new book "Selling is Dead" by Marc
Miller and Jason Sinkovitz, the Ohio-based authors explain the importance of hiring the right
salesperson, recognizing the type of demand that is needed, and monitoring the progression of
each
sales stage.

"Selling is Dead" introduces a new way of approaching potential customers based on four types of
demand: new application demand, aggregate demand, continuous improvement demand, and
economy demand because the authors believe that customer decision-making changes from one
demand to another. According to this book, an informed salesperson should be able to recognize
the
demand type and respond accordingly.

This book is at its brilliant best when it explains the Buyer Psychological Model, the importance
of
creating demand, and how to overcome traditional objections such as a potential client's budget
constraints. It also serves as a wake-up call for sales managers who employ mediocre salespeople
who are ineffective at creating demand or selling to prospects who are satisfied with existing
products or services.

However, there are a few problems with this book that may cause its words to fall on deaf ears.
The
first is that it reads like a dissertation and contains complicated language (i.e. the cadence of
commoditization) that may cause the average salesperson without a college degree to run for
cover.
Next, the book is written from a very strategic point of view and lacks more needed tactical
instructions. Finally, the book is written with a slant towards IT firms and may turn off those who
are not in technology fields. In other words, it's great for IT sales managers but maybe not for
other
sales professionals.

"Selling is Dead" has the potential to be a groundbreaking book. The authors understand the
psychology of supply and demand, the pressures of a sales manager, and the need to move
salespeople from inertia. But the success of this book will be determined by the buying public's
willingness to make a major paradigm shift in the sales process and the hiring process and a clear
understanding in the psychology of how purchasing decisions are made. This book makes an
interesting and informative read but it will be even more interesting to see if salespeople
worldwide
accept or reject it. Recommended.

Just as he's about to set a school football record, Ted Packard disappears: packs up, moves out,
up
and leaves. His best friend, Firecracker Jones, knows something is very wrong: Ted wouldn't
leave
without saying good-bye. Classmates keep asking Firecracker what happened to Ted. Determined
to
find out what happened, Firecracker Jones is on the case.

Firecracker can't get a straight answer from his Mom, teachers or coaches. He can tell they're
hiding
something, but what? A search of Ted's old house and yard turn up nothing but suspicions about
the
guy who moved in after Ted left. Finally, by chance, Firecracker finds a lead to follow: at night,
across town by bus, through the woods and over the muddy lake. What he discovers is totally
unexpected - and so is what Firecracker decides to do about it.

Kids age 8-12 are at a vulnerable spot with reading; it's often when they decide if they like reading
or not. They need well-written, high interest books to convince them to be readers for life.
Firecracker Jones Is On the Case ably fills that need. With just the right blend of humor, logic and
message, Klim draws readers into the mystery with appealing, dimensional characters while subtly
teaching about confronting fears, change, and loyalty. Kids can relate to the sometimes-clumsy
Firecracker and his health-conscious mom. They will laugh out loud at the antics of Firecracker
and
his friends.

Firecracker Jones Is On The Case is at once funny, serious, and wholesome. The first book of a
series, I can easily see this as a Disney Channel movie. Highly recommended for boys and girls
age
8-12.

One of the most gripping books I've read, Unholy Alliance is a book that can't be put down. If
you enjoy reading murder mysteries, detective tales, psychological thrillers.... Unholy Alliance
will grab you and hold you 'til the last page. Two of the main good characters are two
women,
both strong in their own ways, both with pasts filled with violence and abuse; both with a will to
survive. One is a homicide detective trying to prove herself and put her past behind, and the
other is a would-be journalist trying to overcome an abusive past and a physical disability -
the
loss of one leg because of the past abuse. They are thrown together by circumstances and are
bound together as they seek the answers to brutal slayings, and the perpetrator., who has
targeted one of them for himself.

The villain is a brutal, insane serial killer who collects body parts and leaves a signature:
a glass rose. Any mystery lover must read it from beginning to end in one sitting.

"And that's when he saw it, felt it. First came the hand holding the hunting knife with the
enormous blade. Sharp looking. So sharp that when it crossed his throat he didn't feel a
thing." I highly recommend this to mystery readers.

Papal emissary, Leonardo Radolowick is called to the Vatican to meet with Pope Pius V, General
Colonna, Capt. Gavino Poliziani, and Guiseppe Martino. Accompanying him is his new friend and
protege, Miguel de Cervantes. It is not long before Radalowick is asked to choose two
companions
to accompany him on the search for the Spear of Longinus. It is believed that those in possession
of
the spear will conquer all enemies, rising victorious in the name of God. The Pope declares that
the
Turks must be stopped and only the spear will ensure their victory. However, first Leonardo must
travel to the Apulian coast of Italy where he will oversee the completion of a huge ship, equipped
with a recently discovered invention of Leonardo di Vinci-a propellor. Cervantes and
Radalowick's
other companion, Michele Geraldi accept their papal quest without reservation. Meanwhile,
Spanish
Ambassador Alzamora, his wife Lanette Louise and his daughter, Lea Linda board a ship for
Spain.
An unexpected storm finds them separated from their convoy and soon the captives of the
dreaded
Turks.

Religious turmoil, savagery, violence and deceit, all contribute to an exciting and fast paced tale.
The Spear of Lepanto begins with a rather intimidating and lengthy ten page list of characters.
This
reviewer found the first few pages read like an exhaustive "who's who" of the rich and famous of
the sixteenth century. It was difficult to keep the characters straight and their importance to the
story was vague at first. That said, once the author begins the tale it is most enjoyable. We
recommend that readers be persistent in continuing past the first few chapters, it really will be
worthwhile.

Author, Leon Radomile has researched his subject thoroughly and intently providing readers with
an
excellent history lesson mixed with an exciting story. He began researching his own Italian
ancestors
and eventually produced this fictional Renaissance adventure. The surname Radomile is a
transformation of the noble name of Radalowick.

Bebe Moore Campbell weaves a tale of unrelenting love and pain in her latest novel 72 Hour
Hold.
72 Hour Hold tells the story of Keri, a successful owner of an upscale Los Angeles Boutique
whose
beautiful, intelligent 18 year old daughter has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Quite gifted
and
on her way to Brown University, Trina's life has come to an abrupt halt as her disorder overtakes
her and Keri tries everything, legal and illegal, to try to save her daughter from this debilitating
disorder.

Moore Campbell does an excellent job of portraying the hell a family has to go through when a
loved one has been diagnosed with a mental illness. The struggles with the health care system, the
erratic behavior, the toll it takes on the healthy family members, are all told in breathtaking detail
and
roll off the pages in a fast paced, rollercoaster ride that keeps you guessing from beginning to
end.

The best part about 72 Hour Hold is that it manages to never come off as preachy or judgmental.
There's some scathing commentary on the problems with the mental health industry in this country
and the novel handles that discourse in a way that allows you to understand all sides of the issue
from patients rights, to the needs of the families trying to save their relatives and the overworked
and under-funded system we have in place to deal with some of our most troubled citizens. Moore
Campbell offers insight into a world that few are privy to or want to admit they are a part of and
in
so doing challenges all of us to do something to better the treatment and understanding of those
who
suffer from a mental disorder, whether we are personally affected by it or not.

The one criticism I have of the novel is how the main character, Keri is very difficult to
sympathize
with. She is judgmental, unforgiving, arrogant, short-sighted and all around a person that is very
hard to like. She is incredibly inconsiderate of those in her life and completely unaware of the
needs
and desires of others. I spent the whole novel being amazed at her sense of entitlement and
superiority. At the same time I found Keri's character trying, I also recognized that making her
such
an imperfect person, one who expects and has attained success, makes her daughter's illness all
the
more devastating and ultimately makes the novel much more dynamic and interesting.

Bebe Moore Campbell has always been good at creating characters and stories that are
compelling
and believable. Her characters jump off the page and feel like they could be people you know in
your
own life. 72 Hour Hold is no exception. It's a great read and excellent social commentary on an
issue that doesn't receive nearly as much attention as it deserves.

Arlene's Bookshelf

This novel is a classic reprint of the first book in Laura DeHart Young's Alaska series. Kay
Westmore is a thirty-eight year-old National Park Service ranger stationed in Fairbanks. She and
her
colleague Russell Bend have been given the assignment to inspect the Alaska pipeline for possible
structural defects. Along for the trip is a Washington bureaucrat named Grace Perry. It is obvious
to
Kay that Grace has her own agenda; she has her eye on becoming the next Secretary of the
Interior,
and this will probably occur if Grace is able to discredit the frontrunner for the position. From the
start there is an adversarial relationship between these two women and many disagreements
develop.
However, Kay must perform her job. Embarking upon this assignment at one of the worst
possible
times of the year, November, when the physical conditions are virtually impossible to combat, the
group heads north to complete its inspection task. Compounding Kay's frustrating professional
problems are two women: Barb, a psycho ex-lover, and Stef Kramer, an enamored twenty-two
year-old, to whom Kay is inexplicably drawn. As Kay's life becomes increasingly more
complicated,
it also becomes more apparent to Kay that her very life may well rest upon the completion of her
dubious assignment.

Young writes in very succinct unencumbered prose. The sentence structure is not very demanding
which moves along the action in the plot, but at the same time, it becomes a bit repetitive and
predictable. This reader's interest sometimes wandered. However, when Young is recounting
events
using the flashback device, the pace quickens, the diction becomes more complex, and these
scenes
completely captivate the reader. These brief snapshots of life-altering moments in Kay's life
expand
the story's characterization. The reader has a deeper understanding of her family dynamic and
dysfunction. Sometimes a less adept writer can abuse the flashback technique, and that only serves
to intrude upon, if not interrupt, the flow and pacing. Young prevents this from occurring by
seamlessly segueing into each flashback and then effortlessly returning to the present. The reader
actually looks forward to there being subsequent flashbacks as these mini-stories help foreshadow
the personal dilemmas that Kay must overcome, or at least, try to overcome.

The secondary characters are a diverse group of individuals. Barb sometimes borders on the
stereotypical. However, the ex-lover from Hell theme is so stereotypical that this reader can easily
overlook the use of that element here. There is also a sad and rather melancholy understanding of
a
relationship's erosion. Kay attempts to find a reason for her failure with Barb, and it comes down
to
one statement. "She had somehow come to be lost in an existence of Barb's choosing" (p. 7).

Stef is an energetic and spontaneous young woman who lacks the real life experiences that
influence
Kay's decisions regarding personal relationships, inconsequential flings, and shutting the door on
the
past. Young also creates an aura of enigmatic professional and sexual assurance in the character
of
Grace that keeps the reader wondering if she might indeed be a match for Kay. Russell is Kay's
best
friend as well as her colleague, and it is striking to see that their relationship of respect and trust is
uppermost in Russell's mind. He is such a startling contrast to the male police detective that she
encounters as the story unfolds.

Love on the Line is short at one hundred and sixty-seven pages, but it is an entertaining novel
which
explores the Alaskan wilderness and Kay Westmore's attempts to deal with her past and discover
her future. Young's book is an enjoyable way to spend a few hours, and it will definitely spark the
reader's appetite for the remaining books in the series, Forever and the Night and Love Speaks
Her
Name.

Lynne Jamneck's stellar debut novel is the first in a mystery series featuring Samantha Skellar, an
FBI agent working in Seattle. She and her partner, Rob Munroe, are investigating a possible serial
killer who has been targeting suburban neighborhoods. The crimes appear to be random, but
nonetheless violent. The husband is senselessly murdered and the wife is brutally sexually
assaulted.
The investigators are finding few leads as they attempt to produce a profile of the perpetrator.
Further complicating Skellar's investigation is an unsettling personal problem. Someone has been
watching her every move. This audacious stalker has managed to hack into her computer and has
been sending her threatening emails. Since the threats have taken on a new measure of menace,
Sam
engages the assistance of one Lucy Jane Spoon, a twenty-seven year-old uninhibited laid-back
computer expert with a definite dislike for all things resembling authority and government. Add to
this mix Kate, Sam's rock-star sister, and Carol, Sam's ex-lover, and the reader has more than
enough primary and secondary plots to maintain her interest.

Jamneck has created a protagonist in Samantha Skellar who is a totally dedicated and professional
woman, a woman who has just begun to feel those nagging pressures of her high-powered job.
Solving crimes has begun to take its toll, but Sam is intelligent enough to recognize this common
pitfall experienced by many law officers. She has also reached that point where a bit of
introspection
about her past, her family, her love relationships is necessary for her own peace of mind. Sam has
flaws, but she has compassion and integrity. Solving the crime is her passion as well as her duty.
"Little else encouraged me to professional perfection than the idea of some fucked-up little
misogynist criminal, sitting back and laughing at the law, laughing at the FBI. Laughing at me" (p.
50). Her relationship with Munroe is the product of two years of being there for each other, of
protecting one another, and of understanding each other's method of criminal investigation.

Lucy Spoon is an engaging and highly satisfying secondary character. She possesses that ability to
both rankle and intrigue Sam. An outspoken feminist, Lucy pulls no punches. She states her
opinions
and beliefs and then leaves it to others to react or ignore. She is neither easily impressed nor
intimidated. When Sam first appears asking for computer assistance, she is told that Lucy can't
help
her that day but can the next day. Sam responds, "This is really quite important" (p. 12). Lucy
looks
at Sam completely unimpressed with her FBI status. "What I have to do is important too.
Tomorrow. Take it or leave it" (p.12). Through the careful use of foreshadowing, the reader is
aware that there is a definite connection between these two assertive women. Discovering what
that
may be, is one of the many enjoyable aspects of this novel.

Down the Rabbit Hole is a well written police procedural with gripping conflicts, realistic
conclusions, and surprising twists and turns in both the plotting and the development of
characters.
Jamneck has created a worthy addition to the mystery genre. The fact that the author chose to
have
Sam's sexual identity play a secondary role is a refreshing change from other lesbian mystery
detectives. In this instance, the emphasis is upon Sam's competent performance of her demanding
job. The subplot of her romantic relationships or lack of such serves to heighten the authenticity
of
the character. Her sexuality is a part of her life, not the focus of her life. This indeed lends more
credibility to her character as she is first and foremost an FBI investigator in this mystery series.
Also interesting and impressive is Jamneck's clever detailing. Without revealing the conclusion of
the book, suffice it to say that Jamneck has incorporated a most original segment of plotting that
will
indeed segue nicely into the next adventure of Samantha Skellar. Down the Rabbit Hole is a
thoroughly riveting and rewarding reading experience - certainly one not to be missed.

For Every Season by Frankie J. Jones introduces Andrea "Andi" Kane, a thirty-four year-old
project
manager living in Dallas, Texas. Life certainly is not proceeding as she had planned. Andi is
enduring
an unsatisfying nine-month relationship with Trish, a control freak extraordinaire and
high-powered
realtor. Their life together has become nothing more than mind-numbing routine. One morning as
Andi hears Trish scrape her chair across the kitchen hardwood floor, Andi knows it must be
seven-thirty. "I may not have a lover, but I have the best alarm clock in the city" (p. 4). As her
luck
would have it, when Andi arrives at work, she is told she has been let go due to budget
constraints.
Holding only a box containing her possessions, she is unceremoniously escorted by security out of
the building. Several minutes later her friend Becka joins her on the sidewalk; she too is holding a
box. The two women drive to Becka's home and quickly proceed to drown their troubles in
alcohol.
When Stacy, Becka's partner, arrives home, she drives Andi back to her house. When Trish
realizes
Andi is intoxicated, she refuses to hear any kind of explanation and throws her out of the house.
Soon after, Andi decides to leave Dallas and go home to San Antonio to re-assess her situation.
While staying at her parents' home, her grandmother, Sarah, asks a favor of her - to look into a
family tragedy which took place sixty-five years earlier. Having nothing better to do and not
wanting
to disappoint her grandmother, Andi heads down to HiHo, a small town south of San Antonio, to
investigate this dark period from the very distant past.

Jones has written several good romance novels, Rhythm Tide and Midas Touch to name but two.
However, For Every Season surpasses these past efforts in two very important respects. First, the
characterization is outstanding in its depiction of both the lead and secondary characters. These
characters are rich in detail, depth, and realism. Andi is a woman with whom the reader can
readily
identify and empathize. Andi is affable, humorous, and deeply rooted in the concept of family.
Love,
loyalty, and respect for her grandmother compel Andi to undertake a quest for the truth,
regardless
of where that journey may lead. The reader is provided with generous back-story through the use
of
flashbacks and expository narrative. Yet, Jones manages to always show, not tell.

The actions in this novel are primarily interpersonal which allow for fuller threads of character
development. Leticia, Andi's mother, is a meticulously drawn character whose actions and
motivations are explained through a series of genuinely engrossing and sometimes heartbreaking
vignettes of her childhood in HiHo.

Jones' second main character is Janice Reed, the District Attorney in HiHo. Here the reader meets
a
refreshingly intriguing and fascinating woman. When Andi brings her concerns to Janice, Janice
tells
her to expect a 99.9% chance of failure, but nonetheless she still offers to help Andi in any way
she
can. When asked why Janice would still help given those odds, Janice responds, "Because I have a
hunch about you and I always play my hunches" (p. 95). This somewhat cryptic response serves
not
only to embarrass Andi but also to give her an intuitive sense of some kind of possible connection
to
Janice. As the storyline progresses, Janice is conflicted in a variety of ways. However, the deft
writing always maintains her credibility. The reader is able to peel away the layers and, thus, is
permitted to see within the core of this hard-working attorney. The mercurial sexual tension is
captivating as both Janice and Andi struggle with outside forces which inevitably will affect them
and those closest to them.

For Every Season is a skillfully written and highly entertaining look at the past and the present of
two very different families. The events of so long ago have indeed cast ripples into the lives of all
concerned. From the humorously drawn portrayal of Trish, the Ice Woman, to the painfully stated
mother-daughter contentions of three generations, to the surprising revelations of love and
misunderstanding, Jones has created a multi-faceted and page-turning story that this reader will
long
remember. For this reviewer it is always an even more rewarding reading experience to see how
an
author continues to stretch and to grow. Enhanced writing style, amplified narrative technique,
and
intensified characterization are expertly evidenced here. For Every Season may very well indicate
a
new level of writing craft for Frankie J. Jones, and this reviewer eagerly awaits her next
novel.

To those around her, Susan Sterling seems to have the perfect life: a successful husband of twenty
years, a lovely daughter in college, and the country club society scene. One day she arrives home
early to find her husband in their bed with a twenty year-old blonde. Sparing herself the it's not
what
it seems speech, she bolts to the family's cabin in Kings Canyon National Park. Enjoying the
solitude
and avoiding the meddling of her mother and overbearing sister Ruth, Susan meets Shawn Weber,
a
young woman who has been camping nearby. The two women strike up a conversation and Susan
invites Shawn to dinner. A friendship begins to develop, secrets are shared, and both Susan's and
Shawn's view of life undergoes subtle yet important changes. A daughter who is confused about
her
own personal life, a husband who refuses to accept the demise of their marriage, and Shawn's
seemingly mysterious past all contribute to the inner turmoil and uncertainty Susan Sterling is
experiencing while sequestered in the woods.

Gerri Hill is the author of several impressive romance novels, and Dawn of Change further serves
to
elevate her status as a leading writer in this genre. Characterization is clearly and deftly written,
especially for the protagonist, Susan Sterling. The reader can easily identify and empathize with
the
upheaval she is experiencing. Somewhere along the way, while being a wife and mother, Susan
lost
herself, her dreams, her hopes, and she is now confronted with several opportunities to find the
woman she had once hoped to be. Her actions and reactions ring true. Avoiding the overly
sentimental and melodramatic, Hill has created a character that exudes a realistic portrait of the
woman scorned. Her dialogue is moving and at times quite wryly humorous. When her sister Ruth
pompously states that she and their mother are worried about Susan, Susan recognizes the
insincerity dripping from each word. "Bullshit," Susan said quietly. "You're worried what people
are
thinking and Mother's only concerned about what time she can have her first scotch" (p. 45). The
internal dialogues of both Susan and Shawn further show the reader the complicated emotional
wiring that these women possess.

Another strong point of this novel is the characterization of Lisa, Susan's daughter. Hill has
created
an intelligent, witty, attractive young woman who is coming to terms with her own identity. She is
a
relevant and contemporary character. Her interactions are multi-faceted. Reading the verbal
sparring
between Lisa and Ruth is humorous and very telling. Generational differences are only secondary;
the disparate temperament, spirit, and integrity of Lisa and Ruth are the true indicators of what
constitutes a decent and compassionate individual.

Dawn of Change is a fast-paced, comfortably read novel that affects the reader on a variety of
levels.
Likable and intriguing main characters, vivid descriptions of emotional entanglements and their
repercussions, and a fluid and carefully crafted plotline all contribute to this well written novel.
The
basic premise has been told in other books but not in as skillfully entertaining a manner as Hill has
imagined it in Dawn of Change. From the contrast of everyday living with the narcissistic
maneuverings of the country club set to the desire to have solitude and quietude in one's life while
at
the same time recognizing the possibilities presented with a random meeting along the trail, Hill
has
managed simultaneously to capture the interest of the reader and to provide serious consideration
for some of today's troublesome societal issues. This reader eagerly looks forward to Hill's next
book.

Arlene Germain
Reviewer

Bethany's Bookshelf

Reading God's World: The Scientific Vocation is a compilation of essays by diverse authors, all of
them Christians who work in scientific fields, including teaching, experimental science, or
technical
work. The common theme binding the different topics is the bond between faith and natural laws,
and the revelation that since nature is created by God, human understanding of religion needs to
hear
what science has to say just as modern science needs to be guided by innately moral and ethical
assumptions. Individual essays concerning the origin, contribution, and theology of scientific
vocation include "Interpreters of the Book of Nature", "Science and Christianity: Conflict or
Coherence?" and "Scientists Called to Be Like God". An enthusiastically welcome contribution to
the ongoing debate concerning the moral intermelding of scientific and religious wisdom, and the
increasing need to establish ethical codes that respect the sanctity of life and individual dignity in a
world dramatically changed by ever-increasing scientific possibilities.

Written by the director of the Center for Faith and Health and recipient of a nursing Ph.D.,
Health,
Healing & Wholeness is a resource intended especially to speak to congregations in health care
ministries. Stressing the importance of understanding the culture of one's congregation, as well as
tapping the potential that ministries have to promote community health and development, Health,
Healing & Wholeness covers such topics as functioning models of health ministry, creating a
positive
vision for the future, and more. Health, Healing & Wholeness draws upon anecdotes, testimony,
research, the author's experience and the latest findings concerning human health to promote its
vision in which ministries apply preventatives and cures, both physical and spiritual, to the best of
their ability. Highly recommended.

Written by a Trappist monk from Saint Joseph's Abbey, Who Do You Say I Am? Meditations on
Jesus' Questions in the Gospels is an anthology of ponderings on questions uttered by Jesus in the
New Testament. Written in plain-terms and accessible to lay readers and theologians alike, Who
Do
You Say I Am? draws upon biblical scholarship, history, simple morality, and the unceasing quest
for answers and understanding. Who Do You Say I Am? is not a compendium of strict answers,
but
rather a stimulating tool encouraging the reader to think about his or her own spirituality, and
rationally contemplate the meaning in Jesus' message. Highly recommended.

What Did Jesus Say? A Daily Devotional Journal is a consumable, 365-day devotional resource.
For
each day, it presents a quote from Jesus Christ, a paragraph of plain terms commentary that
reflects
upon questions pertaining to the intersection of human spiritual needs and the wisdom of Jesus'
words, and blank lines for the reader to write his or her prayers. For example, the commentary for
January 2nd concerning the quote "Did you not know that I must be about my Father's business?"
(Luke 2:49) concludes with the question "As you consider how your energy and time are both
consumed, what do you need to do to develop a God-centered life?" Highly recommended as a
resource for faithful introspection, meditation, and life-changing resolve.

Compiled with explanatory text by a graduate from the Moody Bible Institute with scholarship in
pastoral studies, Jesus: The Authorized Biography turns directly to the gospels to portray the life,
words, teachings, experiences, and death of Jesus Christ. Sections offer simplification,
clarification,
and context for the Biblical text in contemporary language, but Jesus: The Authorized Biography
earns its seemingly audacious subtitle by faithfully reproducing the New Testament texts (in
English
translation, of course - different translations of the Bible have been fused together to create a
smoother holistic narrative) that speak directly of Jesus' life. The words of Jesus and God in
particular are emphasized in bold print. A highly readable narrative, as accessible to lay readers as
to
Christians and theologians, that gives readers of all faiths a better understanding of who Jesus was
and what he strived for.

Though intended especially for Presbyterians, Church History 101: An Introduction for
Presbyterians is a solid, well- researched overview of the history of the Christian church from the
era
when Jesus Christ walked the earth to the present. Written by a retired Presbyterian minister,
Church
History 101 draws on a wide variety of scriptural, historical and archaeological resources to
reconstruct the daily lives of Christian faithful as well as the monumental impacts of rulers,
persecutions, crusades, alleged heresy, and attempts at reformation. The text reads fluidly, and is
highly accessible especially to lay readers and study groups. Discussion questions such as "To
what
extent does the church in our country reflect the ideas of the Puritans? To what extent should it
do
so?" and "What has caused Presbyterians to divide in the past? How helpful have schisms proved
to
be? What has helped bring many of us back together?" follow each chapter, to better stimulate
contemplation and the exchange of ideas. A highly recommended resource and history
refresher.

The Spiritual Millionaire: The Spirit of Wisdom Will Make You Rich is a guide especially for
Christians who seek harmony between their faith in God and their efforts to achieve prosperity. In
the quest to earn a comfortable living, enough to provide for the self and the family well after
retirement or passing, The Spiritual Millionaire demonstrates how to tap into spiritual wisdom to
enhance personal productivity and success. Chapters address the value of prayer and meditation to
stabilizing one's frame of mind, the power of love as a motivating force to earn success, how all
things are possible to all people, the values of enthusiasm and perseverance, and much more. A
morale-boosting and spiritually reassuring guide.

Going Home: Facing Life's Final Moments Without Fear is a guide especially for Christians who
are
confronting their own possible (or certain) death. At such moments, it is quite possible for doubts
to
arise in one's heart, as well as questions about salvation, guild concerning cravings for relief, the
need to wrap up relationship conflicts, and practical matters such as preparing a will. Embracing
both Christian truths and realities faced by dying individuals, Going Home turns to scripture,
anecdotes, and time-tested wisdom to help the reader see the journey of life through to its final
step.
"The Book of Job reminds us of several important facts: A person can be angry at God and still be
a
person of faith. God doesn't blame us for the way that we feel. God is mysterious, and much of his
plan is hidden from us. Even patient people like Job get frustrated because they cannot understand
why God allows certain things to happen. God is still God, and one day we will understand." A
reverent, respectful, and highly helpful guide.

Susan Bethany
Reviewer

Betsy's Bookshelf

Clinical social worker specializing in adoption, parenting, and fertility-related issues Ellen Glazer
and
certified health education specialist Evelina Sterling present Having Your Baby Through Egg
Donation, a thoroughly practical and informative guide that provides, in lay terms, everything
prospective parents need to know about using modern technology to create children through
donated eggs. Chapters address the circumstances in which egg donation is an option; the laws,
rules, and ethics for recruited-donor programs; common emotional issues and problems associated
specifically with a pregnancy from egg donation; issues to deal with during parenthood of a child
conceived through egg donation; and much more. A list of organizations and on-line resources
rounds out this valuable, absolute "must-read" for anyone considering participation in an egg
donor
program or becoming parents through such a practice.

Now in an expanded and thoroughly updated second edition, Your Baby's First Year: Week By
Week is the collaborative work of Glade Curtis (an American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists board certified physician who has delivered thousands of babies and who is
Co-Director of the Health Clinics of Utah) and Judith Schuler (who has worked with Dr. Curtis
for
more than 20 years as his co-author and editor on fourteen books dealing with pregnancy,
women's
health, and children's health). A standard in its field, this chronological development compendium
begins with "Before Baby's Birth" and "Baby's 1st 48 Hours", then goes on week by week
through
the first year of life. Enhanced with a special section covering "Emergency Situations", a glossary,
a
resources section, and a "user friendly" index, Your Baby's First Year is especially recommended
for
first time parents for whom every week will bring forth new revelations in their baby's first year of
physical and mental development.

Divining The Body: Reclaim The Holiness Of Your Physical Self by award-winning author Jan
Phillips is a spiritual self-help guide especially for women. Written to counter a negative culture of
self-hatred by cultivating appreciation for the holy qualities of the physical body as God's temple,
Divining the Body focuses on different physical parts chapter by chapter: the feet, legs, hands,
back,
generative organs, belly, heart, breasts, throat, ears, eyes and brain. Exercises and reflections offer
means to dwell upon the sacredness in the body as a gift from God, and spiritual quotes in the
margins from a wide assortment of authorities enrich this guide to life-affirming personal
contemplation.

No Saints, No Saviors: My Years With The Allman Brothers Band by Willie Perkins (President of
Republic Artists Management) is based on the authors' direct involvement with The Allman
Brothers
Band from 1970 to 1976, and with Gregg Allman from 1983 to 1989. Gripping in its detail of
personal tragedy, the nightmares of drug and alcohol abuse, the sad deaths of Duane Allman and
Berry Oakley, and the band's phoenix-like rise from ashes, No Saints, No Saviors is a primary
source
that will prove vital to fans and researchers of The Allman Brothers Band and a valuable insight
into
the music industry in general for others. Black-and-white photographs enhance this poignant,
personal, and singularly perceptive memoir.

Compiled and edited by J. A. Wainwright (Professor of English, Dalhousie University, Halifax,
Nova
Scotia, Canada), Every Grain Of Sand: Canadian Perspectives On Ecology And Environment is a
collection of thirteen erudite and knowledgeable essays on environmental issues from a decidedly
Canadian perspective. The contributing authors and their presentations range from Lionel
Rubinoff's
"The World is Your Body", to "Anne Marie Dalton's "Who Cares about the Meadow?", to Onno
Oerlemans' "Romantic Origins of Environmentalism", to Ehor Boyanowky's "Cutting a Deal with
Attila". Even though the perspectives are Canadian, the issues are universal, making Every Grain
Of
Sand a very strongly recommended addition to Environmental Studies academic library
collections
and supplemental reading lists, as well as thoughtful and thought-provoking reading for
non-specialist general readers with an interest in nature and environmental issues.

Natural Wonders Of The Jersey Pines And Shores by the late educator, journalist, historian, and
sportsman Robert A. Peterson (1956-2003) covers a diversity of topics drawn from the unique
Pine
Barrens and coastal ecosystems of New Jersey including the flora, fauna, geological formations,
and
natural forces of the area. Much of the material was adapted from his regular newspaper column
in
"The Egg Harbor News". The informed and informative text is wonderfully enhanced with the
nature photography of Michael A. Hogan and Steve Greer. This posthumous publication of
Robert
Peterson's Natural Wonders Of The Jersey Pines And Shores is a welcome contribution by a
gifted
writer whose "insatiable curiosity about nature and history" make the New Jersey Pine Barrens
and
beaches a truly engaging read from beginning to end for the non-specialist general reader as well
as
the student of nature's ecosystems, as well as a welcome contribution to American Ecological
Studies and Environmental Studies library reference collections and supplemental reading
lists.

From the tea ceremonies of Japan to the samovars of Russia to the carefully brewed beverage of
an
English high tea, tea is the world's most popular drink. Its very smell can return adults to the
nursery
tea table and revive memories of time spent with friends and loved ones over a "cuppa". And for
the
true tea drinker, a cup of tea can soothe even the most stressful day, at least for a moment. Tea
drinkers all have their own reasons why tea is so important to them, and Steeped in the World of
Tea allows readers to see the joys of tea from twenty-three different points of view.

In addition, the authors are donating some of the proceeds to Food First (www.foodfirst.org), a
non-profit organization that promotes freedom from hunger as a basic human right, which makes
reading about the pleasures of the tea table even more enjoyable. Whether you like tea or just like
good writing, I think you' ll enjoy this book. However, be sure you make a nice pot of tea first, to
add extra enjoyment to your reading. (If you make Darjeeling, save me some!)

Susan Elizabeth Phillips's first solo fictional effort, Risen Glory, came out in 1984 and has been
out
of print for many years. After much begging and pleading from her fans, Phillips revised, retitled,
and re-released it in 2001, as Just Imagine.

In the style of Margaret Mitchell's famous antebellum romance, Gone With the Wind, Risen Glory
is
set in the days after the end of the Civil War, where the reader first meets Katherine Louise
Weston.
Katherine, better known as Kit, is a rebellious eighteen-year-old girl from South Carolina who's
on
her way to New York to kill a man. Left to her own devices by a father too infatuated with his
new
wife to care, she's grown up differently than most Southern girls, whom she thinks are all soft and
weak.

She's determined to be neither; she can shoot, cuss, ride a horse bareback, and smoke cigars, and
the
only thing she hates more than dressing like a girl and acting properly is Yankees. After illness
kills
off first her father and then her stepmother and she discovers that the only home she's ever known
has been left to Major Baron Cain, a Yankee hero (and stepbrother she's never met), she decides
the
only way to get back what is rightfully hers is to kill Cain.

Once in New York, her plan backfires; it's not so easy to kill a man, especially a man like Cain!
When her next plan (offering to become his mistress) doesn't work, either, she's stymied. Then he
makes a counter-offer - go to the Templeton Academy for Young Ladies for three years and learn
to
be a lady. Afterwards... well, who knows? So she goes. Maybe another plan will come to her.

After three years, she comes home, but she's still confused. Does Cain love her or just want her?
Is it
for herself or for the plantation? She can't be in love with a Yankee... can she? And how can she
live
anywhere but Risen Glory? Following the twists and turns of Kit's life as she learns what being a
woman is all about will take the reader to the last page with a sigh of satisfaction. I never read
Phillips's original version of this story, but this version definitely bears the hallmark of a Phillips
story
- strong characters, deep emotions, humor, and lots of sizzle. This is a story readers will long
remember.

A tale of witchcraft gone amuck, Hunky Dory is destined to be one of the best evil crones of all
time. Alas, though, when she decides it's more fun granting wishes than casting evil spells, Hunky
gets booted out of witches' charm school. What's a girl to do after this embarrassing situation?
Why
practice "wishcraft" of course! In Hunky's case, the results of her good deeds aren't always what
one
would expect or hope for.

This unconventional happily-ever-after story which puts an amusing spin on the traditional fairy
tale
will appeal to readers eight years of age and up.

Part of the Ready-to-Read series of books for children between the ages of four and six, this story
find Henry and his dog Mudge planning a special surprise for Mother's Day. With Dad's help they
are going to make Mom the best lunch ever. You'll accompany the trio as they go to the grocery
store and then prepare the Mom's special meal in the kitchen. What makes it a "funny lunch"?
You'll
have to read the story to see what Henry, his Dad, and Mudge come up with!

Although released for Mother's Day, "The Funny Lunch" is a story that works nicely anytime of
year. You don't have to wait for a special day of the year to surprise Mom with lunch.

Appropriate for youngsters four years of age and up, "Mice Twice" follows the misadventures of
Cat who invites Mouse for dinner. Of course, Mouse is no dummy and she knows Cat intends that
she will be the entree. When Mouse asks if she can bring a friend along, Cat readily agrees,
thinking
"Double portions!"

How Mouse outsmarts Cat and makes it a social event the sneaky feline won't wish to repeat is
the
subject of this delightful tale. "Mice Twice" is a Caldecott Honor Book.

Tep Jones has always been fascinated by the Picture House, an Anasazi cliff dwelling, near his
home.
When the youngster finds a bone flute left behind by grave robbers, Tep's interest in the ancient
ruin
takes on a whole new dimension. Since discovering the flute the boy's life has changed for the
worse. The key to the ancient magic that the artifact has unleashed resides in the enigma of
Picture
House and Cricket, an old Indian who knows the secrets of the past.

Children ages nine years of age and above will enjoy this riveting Southwestern adventure set in
northern New Mexico.

When Sammy begins making strange sounds, Mrs. B and the rest of the class wonders what is
going
on. "Wheep, wheep, wheep," shrieks the little guinea pig. Now what could that mean? "Whutt!
Whutt-whutt-whutt!" follows along with "Coot! Dutt-dutt-Deet-doot!". Something's obviously
not
right with Sammy.

All the children wonder what is happening but it's Maria who solves the mystery of all the strange
sounds.

The author includes a useful fact sheet on guinea pigs and how they communicate, which you'll
want
to take a look at after you finish the story.

Bob Walch
Reviewer

Buhle's Bookshelf

Perspectives on Spirit Baptism: 5 Views is a collection counterpoint views by five different
authors
concerning beliefs about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Each author is a learned and prominent
theological scholar in his field, and presents the view of his own tradition in clear and succinct
terms,
as well a response to the differences of other traditions. The speakers cover the Sacramental view,
the Wesleyan view, the Charismatic view, the Pentecostal view, and the Reformed view. All draw
heavily upon the scripture to better illuminate their perspective. A well-rounded introduction into
the
theology of spirit baptism, especially useful for theologians and scholars but also accessible to lay
people who want to better understand the practice of spirit baptism as it applies to them and their
given faith.

Written by the son of a Southern Baptist minister who is also a member of Mensa and has studied
the Bible privately in addition to public church worship, Forest and Trees briefly discusses
common
conundrums often expressed concerning alleged inconsistencies in the Bible. Focusing on the
theme
and outline chosen by the authors of the King James version of the Bible, Forest and Trees tries to
reconcile micro-focused issues in favor of a broad picture that emerges of God and history.
Written
with faith, passion, and a positive belief in the goodness of humanity and God, Forest and Trees is
a
compelling interpretation that sheds fresh light on age-old wrestlings and issues with the Old and
New Testaments. Highly recommended, particularly for lay readers and worshipers searching for
solace.

Seasons of Friendship: Naomi And Ruth As A Model For Relationship by Marjory Zoet Bankson
(the first woman and layperson to serve as president of "Faith @ Work", a nationwide Christian
ministry dedicated to providing tools for international community within churches) offers the
biblical
story of Ruth and Naomi's unique friendship as a model for valuing the different kinds of support
that contemporary women, today still need and are able to provide in the different seasons of their
lives. In this newly revised edition, Marjory demonstrates the contemporary aspects of Ruth and
Naomi's friendship as she ably chronicles her own long-time, ever-changing friendship with one
particular friend. Inspired and inspiring, Seasons Of Friendship will prove to be engaging,
thoughtful, and motivating reading for Christians of all denominational backgrounds and
affiliations.

Now in an updated and expanded second edition, The Gospel of Thomas and Christian Wisdom
by
Stevan Davies (Professor of Religious Studies, College Misericordia, Pennsylvania) focuses upon
the writings known as the Gospel of Thomas which were discovered in Egypt in 1945 as part of
the
now famous Nag Hammadi Library, a collection of first century Christian documents that are
some
of the earliest written records we have available arising from the earliest days of the Christian
movement. This Bardic Press edition returns to print a classic work of painstaking yet accessible
scholarship and features a new forty page introduction discussing recent developments in
scholarship, the distinctions of the Gospel of Thomas from the canonical gospels, the role of Mary
Magdalene in the Gospel of Thomas, and additional, invaluable insights into one of the most
exciting
finds of the 20th Century in Biblical Studies. Not to be missed is a fascinating and provocative
essay
on the possible use of the Gospel of Thomas an oracle text for those early Coptic Christians
thought
to be responsible for the Nag Hammadi Library collection. Highly recommended reading for both
scholarship and the non-specialist general reader with an interest in Christian Theology and
History,
The Gospel of Thomas and Christian Wisdom is an enduring work of substantial value and
interest.
Also very highly recommended reading are Professor Davies other works: The Gospel of Thomas
Annotated & Explained; Jesus the Healer, New Testament Fundamentals, and Revolt of the
Widows. Additionally recommended is Professor Davies' The Gospel of Thomas website which is
a
world class Internet website dedicated specifically to this subject.

Willis M. Buhle
Reviewer

Burroughs' Bookshelf

Hiking expert John "The Trailmaster" McKinney presents California's State Parks: A Day Hiker's
Guide, a traveler's guide packed cover to cover with everything a nature-loving vacationer could
hope to know about day-hikes in California's state parklands. Divided by geographical region, the
trails in California's state parks are illustrated with black-and-white maps and carefully described
in
terms of length, difficulty, directions, what to expect while hiking and more. An index allows for
quick and easy lookup of individual trails, and black-and-white photographs offer a visual
introduction to natural splendors. California's State Parks: A Day Hiker's Guide does not concern
itself overmuch with information unrelated to day hike trails, where to find them and what to see
on
them, leaving such matters to other guides. A "must-have" for hiking enthusiasts visiting or
residing
in California.

Managing With Conscience For Competitive Advantage by business management and marketing
expert Pete Geissler dissects the flaw of a "managing for stockholder value" philosophy, that
leads
to amoral business decisions, harmful financial fallout, and blows to a firm's reputation. The
kinder,
gentler, and more productive alternative that Managing With Conscience For Competitive
Advantage offers is "managing with conscience", a.k.a. "managing for customer and employee
satisfaction." The benefits of managing for satisfaction are deliberately set out - satisfied
employees
are more productive and less likely to leave (which begets costly rehiring and retraining efforts),
while satisfied customers are more likely to keep coming back and spread a good reputation by
word
of mouth! Chapters further discuss the importance of forming positive relationships through
hospitality as sure as good business, and lessons that can be learned from other's mistakes and
difficulties just trying to survive. More than just an ethical handbook, Managing With Conscience
For Competitive Advantage is a "must-read" chock full of prosperity-building tips, tricks, and
techniques for small and big business managers alike.

Jackson Choice is a human issues novel of crisis, challenge, and temptation. A small-town
restaurant
manager find love in his marriage, but not contentment, when an upscale golf club competes with
his business and draws him into its allure of excessive drinking, gambling and debauchery. With
his
marriage and his future precariously on the line, he must choose which lifestyle he will follow, but
tragedy inevitably strikes one of his employees drawn too deep into the club's allure, suffering a
nervous breakdown due to gambling problems and internal demons. Meanwhile the FBI
converges
upon the River Club like an ominous vulture, running a investigation that will unearth shocking
truths. A compelling tale of hard decisions and cold consequences.

Award-winning author Peter Rennebohm presents French Creek, a suspenseful novel about an
ordinary Minneapolis salesman whose trip to a junkyard in search of a part to rebuild an old truck
quickly entangled him in a lethal struggle with his life as the prize. Against ruthless and
experienced
killers, he must weather a severe winter storm amid the rural farmland of central Minnesota and
the
prairies of the South Dakota borderland. A gripping saga of personal defiance, ingenuity, and
courage, compelling to the last page.

What Works and Why: Effective Approaches to Reentry is an anthology of seven essays by
experienced professionals concerning practical approaches to re-integrating former prisoners into
society. The essays are "Social Learning, Social Capital, and Correctional Theories"; "Models of
Supervision Relevant to the Delivery of Effective Correctional Service"; "Evidence-Based
Programming Today"; "Using an Integrated Model to Implement Evidence-based Practices in
Corrections"; "Public Safety and the Search for a Strategic Converter"; "Meeting the Challenges
of
Prisoner Reentry"; and "Revisiting Responsibility". Published jointly by the American Correctional
Association and the International Community Corrections Association, What Works and Why
dismisses extended philosophical concerns for a focus on common problems that need immediate
solutions. Written in plain terms, the essays highlight what is most needed for the sake of
benefiting
society as surely as the former prison inmates. Strongly recommended for anyone working in
corrections, criminal law, associated politics, and potentially of use to even former prisoners
themselves.

Written by award-winning investigative journalist Pratap Chatterjee, Iraq, Inc.: A Profitable
Occupation is a scathing indictment of how the American occupation has proven immensely
enriching to private corporations - at the expense of American taxpayers and the freedom, safety,
and economic stability of the Iraqi people. Chapters discuss the scams and frauds involved in
reconstruction, the constant threatening presence of military men, militiamen, and civilians with
guns, and the questionable and arguably unstable "shadow government" being set up. The author
concludes his words in July of 2004, in fear of the future of Iraq. America and Iraq both need
desperately to grapple with the difficult issues and outright larceny in order to promote the
transformation of Iraq as a place where people can live without fear, and seek their destiny
without
the burdens of economic poverty or the hovering threat of violence. A "must-read" expose for
anyone studying the recent war in Iraq and its aftermath.

Also available in a hardcover edition (0816524386, $50.00), Chia: Rediscovering A Forgotten
Crop
Of The Aztecs by agronomist Ricardo Ayerza (Associate in Arid Lands, Office of Arid Lands
Studies, University of Arizona) and engineer Wayne Coates (Research Professor, Office of Arid
Lands Studies, University of Arizona) focuses upon "chia", a principle Aztec food crop at the time
of Columbus' appearance in the Caribbean, and which was almost wiped out by the Conquistadors
because of its use in "pagan" rituals. For centuries the plant survived in only a few scattered areas
and was largely unknown in the continental United States. This was a plant that the Aztecs used
as
raw material for medicines, and as an energy source on long journeys. In this comprehensive
study,
Ayerza and Coats compare chai's fatty acid profiles with those of fish oil, flaxseed, and marine
algae,
finding chia superior in many ways. Chia has the highest known percentage of alpha-linolenic
acid,
and the highest combined alpha-linolenic and linoleic fatty acid percentage of all the crops. Chia
has
more protein, lipids, energy and fiber (but fewer carbs) that rice, barley, oats, wheat or corn -- and
its protein is gluten-free. Chia is also an excellent source for calcium, phosphorous, magnesium,
potassium, iron, zinc, and copper. Chia is low in sodium (salmon has 78 times as much, tuna 237
times as much). Chia exhibits no evidence of allergic response, even in individuals with peanut and
tree-nut allergies. Chia doesn't give off a "fish" flavor, unlike some other sources of omega-3 fatty
acid. The need to supply omega-3 fatty acid in the human diet, combined with the imperative of
finding a safe, renewable omega-3 source not dependant upon the fishing industry, chia is now
documented as being one of the world's most important crops. A work of impeccable and
documented scholarship, Chia: Rediscovering A Forgotten Crop Of The Aztecs is an important,
seminal contribution whose agricultural value for human health we simply cannot afford to
overlook. Very highly recommended, informed and informative reading!

John Burroughs
Reviewer

Carolyn's Bookshelf

With Book #6 on the horizon, I am remembering the first one. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's
Stone
is the first book by J. K. Rowling. It is a story about young Harry Potter, a name now known
around
the world. Rowling is much admired for her writing technique, her ability to weave an intriguing
story, and her ability to keep her readers on the edges of their seats. I read this book in 2000
because
my grandchildren were reading it and loving it! I was hooked; and, let's not forget Mary Grandpre
whose illustrations add liveliness to the text.

When infant Harry Potter's parents are tragically murdered, he has the misfortune to be taken to
live
with his mother's sister, husband, and their son. He is delivered to Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia
and
Cousin Dudley, the muggle family (non-magical people), on Privet Drive, London. They are a
miserable lot, and so Harry spends the next 10 years living in an unloving household, unloving
toward him. While his aunt and uncle treat him badly, they dote on their obnoxious brat, young
Dudley. Then, at age 11, Harry receives a letter telling him to prepare to enter wizard school at
Hogwarts. After a few fits and starts getting there, Harry is off on a fantastical adventure with
new
(and first) friends, Hermoine Granger and Ron Weasley. He begins to find out who he really is.
People he's never seen before know who he is as soon as they hear his name. Heads turn and
whispers abound.

This book takes us through Harry's first year at the Hogwarts School. We meet many characters
along the way, including headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, huge and lovable Rebeus Hagrid, bad
boy
Draco Malfoy and his sidekicks Crabbe and Goyle. We meet menacing Professor Snape,
changling
Professor McGonagall and strange Professor Quirrell, among others. We learn about Quidditch, a
most remarkable, challenging and dangerous sport, one in which only those possessed of magical
skills could ever engage. This book is a delightful beginning to what is now a world favorite, akin
to
the Hardy boys series of another era.

On July 16, 2005, Book #6, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, will be released. It is
eagerly,
almost desperately, anticipated. I own and have read, Books 1-5, and am remembering each.
Harry
Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the second book in Rowling's extraordinary series about a
remarkable young boy; a lad who starts out life happily, then his wizard parents are tragically
murdered, and his life is forever changed.

One of the challenges facing this author, and others who write series in which characters are
brought
forward, is the necessity to keep track of each character's personality traits, habits and experiences
over time. If an author comments on one page that so-and-so dislikes coffee, and later has
so-and-so
savoring his or her favorite cup of java, well, we have a problem. Rowling has prepared well with
outlines, drawings, and briefs about people, places and things portrayed in her work. Still, the task
is
enormous. Throughout seven books (that is the total number, she says), she must keep every
detail
constant, unless of course so-and-so decides he or she likes coffee, after all!!

In the Chamber of Secrets, Harry must spend another summer on Privet Drive. He eagerly awaits
his
return to Hogwarts and his friends. Transportation back to school is a flying car, driven by friend
Ron, who shows up at his upstairs bedroom window (an upgrade from the space behind the stairs
where Harry spent his first 10 years on Privet drive). The adventure starts here. First, they stop
off
at Ron's home where we learn more about the Weasleys, and formerly meet Ginny Weasley, the
boys' sister (she was at the train station in Sorcerer's Stone). The trip to school is treacherous with
Ron at the wheel and a car with a mind of its own.

This book takes us through Harry's second year at the Hogwarts School and more dangerous
adventures. His curiosity and innate sense of right and wrong carry him through, though barely, in
some cases. We meet several new characters, including vain Professor Gilderoy Lockhart, pesky
Colin Creevey, and creepy Moanin' Myrtle; and there's more Quidditch. There's trouble about
mudbloods who are half wizard and half muggle. Hermoine Granger is a mudblood.

What makes Harry so likable is that he's not perfect, far from it. He gets angry, is not a good
student, occasionally disobeys the rules (for a just reason, of course), and gets into all sorts of
jams.
However, whatever roadblock appears before him, whatever mistakes he makes, he carries on
without whining (well, maybe a little), blaming others or giving up, a good lesson for all of us.
However, the dangers he faces in the Chamber of Secrets may be insurmountable. Read and
see.

By the time Book #3 came out, The Prisoner of Azkaban, I was completely hooked on Rowling
and
on Harry Potter. (Have you noticed how each book gets longer? This one is 226 pages longer
than
Book #2, The Chamber of Secrets.)

In this book, Harry becomes a teenager. He spends his thirteenth birthday, as usual, with his
miserable relatives, The Dursleys. However, after feeling sorry for himself all day, he gets a phone
call from Ron...that's a trip, and letters from Hermoine and Hagrid. He's feeling better now.
However, a visit by Aunt Marge, Uncle Vernon's sister, the next day is a disaster. You'll have to
read Chapter Two to appreciate what happens to Aunt Marge.

We move on to Hogwarts School where there is real danger for Harry this year. It seems a vicious
criminal, Sirius Black, has escaped Azkaban Prison, a most dreadful place for only the most
vicious
of criminals, kept in line by the terrifying Dementors who suck the breath from their victims. It
seems Black is looking for Harry. Everyone is terrified, and Harry and friends are faced with many
harrowing moments. Near the end of the book, Harry has a close encounter with a Dementor and
commits an act that will cause him considerable grief later. (Exactly what is a Dementor? A brief
description from p. 384: "Where there should have been eyes, there was only thin, gray scabbed
skin, stretched blankly over empty sockets. But there was a mouth...a gaping, shapeless hole,
sucking the air with the sound of a death rattle.")

This book has some truly terrifying passages that are extremely well crafted. I was genuinely
scared
in parts and wondered how Harry and his friends were going to make it this time. The Prisoner of
Azkaban takes Harry Potter and author Rowling to a whole new level. Don't read this one when
you're alone.

They just keep getting better, and longer. Book #4, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, is 734
pages long, and I still didn't want it to end. Things are really heating up in Harry Potter's fourth
year
at Hogwarts School. He is fourteen and thinking more about girls. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named
(Voldemort) is becoming stronger once again and the number of Harry's enemies is increasing, or
so
it seems. Just who are his true friends, and who are not? Evil is everywhere. The war between
good
and evil grows more intense and dangerous. Meanwhile, Hermoine is determined to free the
house-elves and establishes the House Elf Liberation Front. Dobby, the house-elf, tries to adjust,
but
is confused; and what is Dobby's friend, Winky, the wicked Malfoys' ex-house-elf up to?

In the first chapter, we visit Riddle House where something strange and horrible happened 50
years
before. To the villagers of Little Hangleton, it remains a creepy place. Nobody knows anymore
what
is true and what isn't, but they all agree that the events of that horrible day so long ago started at
daybreak. We learn about Portkeys and the Dark Mark, and attend a Triwizard Tournament
where
some spectacular and frightening events take place. Padfoot and Wormtail are up to no good. The
Death Eaters terrify everyone. Rita Skeeter is out to discredit Albus Dumbledore and ruin Rubeus
Hagrid. The Irish National Quidditch Team and the Bulgarian National Quidditch Team face each
other at the Quidditch World Cup where Harry is so distracted by the beautiful Veela dancers that
he loses his concentration and so it goes. It's no wonder this book is over 700 pages.

J. K. Rowling continues to amaze with her writing talent, her creativity and her extraordinary
organizational skills. Her prose is easy to read, her fantasies full blown and (once again) she
successfully keeps track of the details as the story of Harry Potter, his friends and enemies,
continues. At 870 pages, the Order of the Phoenix is the longest and I thought a bit too attentive
to
detail in the early stages, but that did not diminish my admiration for the author or the content of
the
story.

Harry is now fifteen and in his fifth year at Hogwarts. He spends almost the entire book in a bad
mood, not unusual for a teenage boy. He is introduced to the Order of the Phoenix and eventually
learns they are charged with protecting him. In this book, Harry has a recurring dream of walking
down a long corridor toward a closed door, which eventually opens for him, leading to all sorts of
trouble and horror. Meanwhile, Hagrid is missing for a time. He returns somewhat worse for
wear,
but at least he's back, to the great relief of Hermoine, Ron and Harry. A dreadful witch wizard in
the
form of Professor Dolores Jane Umbridge arrives at Hogwarts and much of the story involves her
treachery there. Harry's first introduction to her was at his hearing early in the book. Hearing? For
what? (Only the reader knows!)

As with the earlier books, pay close attention as you read. You will need the information provided
early in the story to fully grasp the events at the end of The Order of the Phoenix as Harry
continues
to fight against the dark forces of the wizard world.

Carolyn Rowe Hill
Reviewer

Carson's Bookshelf

Linguistics expert John McWhorter is a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute whose academic
specialty is language change and language contact. In The Story Of Human Language, Professor
McWhorter presents 36 thirty minute lectures captures in a six DVD format series organized into
3
plastic storage cases of two discs each. This fully developed seminar begins with an exploration
and
explanation of what constitutes language, how languages changes and evolves, the classification
of
language into "families", "The Case Against the World's First Language" and "The Case For the
World's First Language". Professor McWhorter then goes on to cover dialects, language mixture,
offers a new perspective on the developmental history of English. Then addressing the question of
whether culture drives language change, Professor McWhorter ably addresses how language
"starts
over" using Creole as an illustration. Concluding with lectures on Black English, "language
death",
and artificial languages, Professor McWhorter ends with his lecture series with "Finale--Master
Class". Professor McWhorter's lectures are hallmarked with an engaging, informative, and even
entertaining presentation style that proves easily accessible to the non-specialist general viewer,
and
yet is detailed and scholastically rigorous to serve the needs of the student seeking academic
credits.
This DVD lecture series is accompanied by three paperbacks (The Story of Human Language:
Parts
1, 2 & 3) that provide a published version of all of the lectures. The Story Of Human Language is
strongly recommended for college and university library collections, and would make an excellent
curriculum for individual advanced student and high-school "Honors Class" studies in the
development of language.

Silence On The Wire: A Field Guide To Passive Reconnaissance And Indirect Attacks by
computer
security and programming expert Michal Zalewski focuses upon fundamentals of computing so
that
even non-specialist general readers can understand network design and their own computing
activities, becoming able to address computer security issues. Silence On The Wire follows the
path
of a piece of information from the moment the user's hand touches the computer keyboard to the
instant when it is received by a remote party on the other end of the wire. Zalewski notes that
security concerns don't simply stem from a set of isolated faults that can be worked around, but
represent issues associated with every process and system, and therefore they need to be
understood
and studied within that broader and more comprehensive context. Informed and informative,
thoughtful and thought-provoking, Silence On The Wire should be considered mandatory reading
for all security professionals, and is enthusiastically recommended to the attention of technophiles
with an interest in computer security for themselves and their associates.

John Barleycorn Must Die: The War Against Drink In Arkansas by Ben Johnson III (Associate
Professor of History, Southern Arkansas University) begins with the early attempts to keep
alcohol
from the Native Americans during Arkansas' colonial period. Then temperance groups focused on
outlawing alcohol in the antebellum communities of Arkansas. After the Civil War new federal
taxes
on whiskey production in Arkansas led to violence between revenue agents and moonshiners. The
state joined the growing national movement against saloons the culminated in 1915 when the
legislature approved a measure to health the sale, manufacture, and distribution of alcohol (which
prohibition included the then thriving wine industry in Arkansas). The state supported national
prohibition, but the people became disillusioned with the widespread violations of the law. But the
state waited to repeal its own prohibition law until compelled to do so by a fiscal crisis in 1935
that
required it to raise revenue. Even then, the new law only authorized retail liquor stores, and not
the
return of taverns or bars. A final effort to restore prohibition in 1950 was rebuffed by voters, but
there are still 43 counties in Arkansas remain dry, and only 32 are wet -- with disputes over the
granting of private club licenses continuing to be a lively social and political concern throughout
the
state. Enhanced with 50 photographs and an index, John Barleycorn Must Die is a work of
considerable scholarship and an impressive contribution to both American History and Arkansas
State History library reference collections.

Enhanced with both color and black/white photography, maps, a glossary, and a bibliography, The
Sami People: Traditions In Transition by Veli-Pekka Lehtola is written from the perspective of the
indigenous Sami people of Scandinavia and European Russia, the only ethnic group in Europe to
be
recognized as aboriginals. An economically and culturally diverse people who speak several
dialects
of the Sami language, they have been divided by national borders for centuries. In recent decades
the
Sami have been transitioning from their principle image as herders of reindeers to such
contemporary enterprises as writers, artists, and political activists. The Sami People is written by
academician and Sami native Veli-Pekka Lehtola (a Senior Research Fellow, University of Oulu,
Finland), and is available in English thanks to the excellent and pains-taking translation skills of
Linna Weber Muller-Wille. A unique and invaluable work of original research, The Sami People
will
prove to be of special interest and value to the study of circumpolar aboriginal peoples, and is an
important contribution to the fields of anthropology, sociology, ethnic cultural studies, and
European history.

The home of sand-buried cities, painted cave shrines, rare animals, and wonderfully preserved
mummies of a distinctive European appearance, the wilderness of Xinjiang in northwest China is
marked by a savage landscape and volatile climate where the Uighurs still farm tranquil oases that
ring the world's second largest sand desert (Taklamakan) and the native herdsmen sill roam the
wild
mountains. This is a region that has been hallmarked by violence ranging from the incursions by
nomad chieftains from the north, Muslim emirs from Central Asia, Russian generals, and warlords
from inner China. Wild West China: The Taming Of Xinjiang by journalist Christian Tyler is the
story of how the Communists have developed this one time untamed wilderness through the
development of a penal colony, as a buffer against invasion, and as a suppler of raw materials and
living space. But Chinese development is seen by the native Uighurs as the unwelcome work of an
alien occupier which has led to continued violence and savage reprisals. An invaluable
contribution
to Chinese History and International Studies, Wild West China is especially commended to
academia
and university library reference collections.

Michael J. Carson
Reviewer

Cheri's Bookshelf

Penny Mickelbury, a highly acclaimed award-winning author, writes with an authoritative flare
about
discrimination against homosexuals, particularly black lesbians who dress and act like AGs or
Doms
(Aggressives or Dominants - new terminology replacing "Butch" within a "counter-culture" or
"sub-culture") within the Washington D.C. gay community. Someone is targeting women who
dress
and act like men with " kind of an in-your-face-don't mess-with-me attitude " [73]. Pathetically,
the police department isn't doing a thing about it, and the religious fanatics are propagating
discrimination of gays in every way imaginable, even condoning murder and rape as God's will.
Darkness Descending is a work of fiction that depicts the disturbing ugliness of homophobia and
racism too often seen in the real world.

Lieutenant Gianna Maglione, head of the D.C. Police Department's Hate Crimes Unit, and her
girlfriend investigative reporter Mimi Patterson, work to solve the brutal murder and mutilation of
twenty-nine year old AG, Natasha Hilliard, that occurred as she was leaving a gay nightclub in a
seedy part of town. By all appearances, Hilliard looks like an average male hoodlum, but what
Gianna and Mimi discover about the victim is very surprising.

"Mainstream society finally decides that maybe it's OK to be queer, as long as the girls look like
they belong on The L Word and the boys are interior design and fashion queens, but heaven help
anybody who doesn't fit inside their straight little lines!" [p 72]

Mickelbury's Darkness Descending begins in the "hood" with an accurate portrayal which includes
the colorful local language, sights, sounds, and smells. You can cut the tension in the first few
scenes
with a knife. It "feels" hot, exciting, dangerous, seedy, and incredibly real. Once you move to the
nicer neighborhoods, the mood and settings noticeably change, which shows the contrast between
the two worlds in a very effective way. Mickelbury's writing is sharp, her images vivid, her style
engaging - all adding up to an educating, but somewhat disturbing piece of fiction you don't want
to
believe could be based on truth.

Mimi and Gianna are outraged at the blatant irresponsibility of law enforcement officers who do
not
protect all citizens regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. Both deeply
committed to their jobs, can they be equally committed to each other? Find out in Darkness
Descending, the fourth Mimi / Gianna Mystery. I highly recommend this book to socially
conscious
readers who enjoy murder mysteries, crime scene investigations, investigative reporting, fighting
against hate crimes, and abolishing corruption in law enforcement. Mickelbury does an excellent
job
of keeping the reader engrossed in this wonderfully written story, rooting for the good guys, and
trying to solve the mystery before Mimi and Gianna. Micklebury is a superb author. I didn't feel
like
I was reading a novel - I felt like I was there. Darkness Descending is deservedly a finalist for the
Golden Crown Literary Society award in the mystery category for 2005.

Change of Pace: Erotic Interludes by Radclyffe is a wonderful collection of short stories so
delightful and delicious they will tempt, tease, and thrill readers for years to come. The anthology
is
contemporary, yet timeless, not only about sex, but also about love, longing, lust, surprises,
chance
meetings, planned meetings, fulfilling wild fantasies, and trust. Radclyffe is masterful at wrapping
subtle plots, inspired settings, and entertaining characters around an incredible variety of hot sex
scenes.

Radclyffe paints her characters using just enough brushstrokes to give the reader a whole portrait.
When one lover states, "She had the hands of a magician, the mouth of a saint, and she could read
me as if I were a billboard lighting up the night in Times Square" [p. 134], it's easy to imagine
how
much she appreciates her lover.

Full Service Station made me laugh out loud when the main character was so horny she thought,
"The waitress in the diner, a friendly gem of a woman about one year older than God, made my
pulse trip. Hell, even inanimate objects such as trees and fireplugs were beginning to appeal" [p.
14].
The scene became funnier as it went on but you'll have to read the book to see what I mean. This
is
a mere sampling of Radclyffe's humor sprinkled throughout the text.

Runway Blues was great! Who hasn't fantasized about meeting a stranger at an airport after the
trials
and tribulations of trying to fly somewhere on a holiday weekend? Or maybe you've been to the
Red
Light District in Holland as in A Woman in the Shadows, or longed for a massage as in Four Star
Accommodations, or perhaps a luxurious bath as in Hart's Desire. If you've ever gone toy
shopping
in a sex shop, you'll love Happy, Happy Birthday, Baby. Contemplating a piercing? You have to
read Pleasure Points! All of the twenty-five stories are diversified enough to keep you interested,
and are sexy enough to keep you hot.

The build-up, humor, and satisfaction are evident and incredible; Radclyffe gives her readers the
pay-off they long for and have come to expect. Trust me when I say that you are going to need a
fan, cold shower, partner, or whatever floats your boat, to quell the fire you'll feel while reading
Change of Pace: Erotic Interludes. Three of my favorite stories are the Clinical Trials Phase One:
Calibrations, Phase Two: Video, and Phase Three: Assist Mode, but I highly recommend you read
all of Radclyffe's Change of Pace: Erotic Interludes and choose your own favorite. I am sure you
will have more than one favorite in this five star collection.

Cheri Rosenberg
Reviewer

Christina's Bookshelf

This book is one of the best herb books. Not only does it provide details on what herbs do and
how,
but gives recipes, guidance on gathering, preparing, preserving and all in an easy to follow and
understand way. The author is one of the most enduring, respected herbalists of our time.

Because she has traveled to many parts of the world to teach and learn she is known as the gypsy
herbalist. Juliette de Bairacli Levy loves to share her experience and knowledge of herbs.

With this book she's created a reference that readers may find life changing. Rosemary Gladstar
says
it did hers and tells readers how in her foreword. Gladstar claims that Levy evokes a sense of
adventure and freedom that seems to evade dreams of a more natural way of living in harmony
with
the world.

There is an index, plant sketchings, over two hundred herbs from around the world, recipes for
cosmetics, medicines, and meals.

Chapter four teaches how certain herbs and plants can be used naturally to protect other plants
and
trees. The information is understandable and explanations given with reasons why so that even
beginners will understand.

Levy constantly helps readers throughout the book. Her advice, information, and conclusions all
aid
in attempting to gently teach. One can tell she is friendly, humble, sincere, and a gift to the
world.

She offers multiple fascinating tips from when the best time to gather herbs is, to how to make an
herbal poultice bandage.

Leaves should be picked when young. Flowers should be gathered in their first opening and
before
being much visited by bees and other insects.

Levy provides cautions when necessary too, like how when gathering herbs, care should be taken
that they have not been sprayed with chemical poison.

As is her way, she further provides a list of a few suppliers of high quality dried herbs, tinctures,
cosmetics and other useful products.

Multiple common herbs are listed in alphabetical order and talked about in the middle of this
book.
Each provides its common and Latin name, where it can be found (its habitat), a description of the
herb itself, its use to man internally and externally, the dose, and more.

Examples of medicinal and culinary uses for herbs are plentiful, such as Fenugreek. It is found in
pastures, and likes sandy soil. The nourishing, and medicinal value of this plant is in its seeds,
which
are very mineral rich and nourishing, and in chemical composition close to cod liver oil. Use,
internal: A general tonic and stomach remedy.

To increase the body weight. To strengthen the stomach, intestines, nerves. Use, external:
Fenugreek seeds make a useful poultice. The ground seed is made into a thick paste with hot milk.
Spread on cotton cloth and apply directly upon swellings, abscesses, boils, carbuncles, and corns,
running sores. As a throat pack, applied hot to relieve soreness. As a throat gargle, use a hot
brew.
Dose: A strong tea of the seed (do not strain the tea, eat the seeds also).

Herbs and plants have a lot to offer in a most natural way. It is Levy's hope people will find as
much
health and happiness through the studying of herbs as she and her children have. She says that the
human race should make a study of herbs and not be content to remain ignorant of a medicine
which
is man's rightful inheritance, and which has only become lost to man through their ignorance and
laziness and their departure from natural living.

Unnatural chemical medicines are seldom beneficial to the human body and often harmful, their
total
effects unknown. Learn to know wild medicinal plants. They are free for the taking. Nature makes
the best medicine.

Anyone looking for natural and healthy ways of healing and who enjoys herbs and plants will
enjoy
this book. Some herbal books may sit on your shelf collecting dust, but this one won't. Readers
will
find it a reference used often and will want to keep it available and easy to reach.

This creative herbal healing guide will teach herbalists of all levels. Susan Weed gently offers
information about three traditional ways of healing along with insightful aspects of each. She goes
on to explain that the Wise Woman Traditions are nourishing and simple, easy approach to
healing.

Later, in the book, Weed shares her knowledge of alternative healing with seven common,
abundant
herbs. She teaches in an entertaining way the nutrients contained in each, the effect they have on
the
body, and a variety of ways to prepare and use them. Weed offers her knowledge in such a
fashion
that the reader suddenly realizes they are refreshed. It's almost as if they just visited an earthy
scented forest or a butterfly filled, grass-waving field.

To add further to the good feelings this guide presents Toni Bernhard sprinkles charming
illustrations throughout the book and Alan McKnight a watercolor book-cover along with
delightful
calligraphic plant names.

Susan Weed follows through with her belief that healing comes first by nourishment. She feeds
reader's souls with the way she writes. One cannot help but relax and have fun reading and using
this
book.

Christina Francine Whitcher
Reviewer

Christy's Bookshelf

Feather Schwartz Foster incorporates her 35 years of experience in advertising and public
relations
into her ventures in lecturing about her first book, LADIES: A CONJECTURE OF
PERSONALITIES. Thank goodness she has chosen to share her experience and lessons learned
with others.

ON THE ROAD WITH THE OLD GALS is packed with information for the novice as well as
the
experienced author and/or speaker. Although this easy-to-read book deals mostly with lecturing,
it
can readily be related to book signings and other author events. Ms. Foster discusses everything
from targeting and locating your audience to materials needed. She provides helpful hints
concerning
recording keeping, publicity, fees, and collecting money from book sales. No question is left
unanswered and every topic imaginable related to speaking events is covered.

I highly recommend this book to all authors and others who may be interested in or are engaged
in
speaking before an audience. Informative, edifying, and easy to follow, this is one book that
should
be kept nearby for easy access and reference.

In this sequel to SURVIVING PIECES, state investigator Tiffany Potter and actress Jasmine
O'Reilly, having acknowledged they are reincarnated twin souls, are becoming comfortable with
their relationship and growing closer to one another. Each holds the other in awe, somewhat
astonished by the telepathic communications they share and synchronous emotions. Tiffany has
recovered from her injuries and is ready to return to work but devastated to learn that her former
partner may be responsible for having her shot at the command of Thomas Farlan, son of drug
lord
Michael Farlan. Michael Farlan has fallen ill with cancer and Thomas has stepped into his shoes.
When Thomas learns that Tiffany did not die from her injuries, he seeks to have her terminated by
one of her own team members. Tiffany and Jasmine lead the reader on an exciting adventure as
they
face danger together, guided by the ghost of Theresa Silverfish, Thomas Farlan's ex-girlfriend.

Author Dana Matthews once more provides a spellbinding thriller, with plenty of twists and turns
intertwined with a fascinating peek into the mystical world of ghosts and reincarnated souls. The
story moves at a fast pace, laden with breathtaking suspense and galvanizing action. With an
interesting plot and masterful characterization, FINAL WISHES is one book that will linger in the
mind a long while after the read is finished.

Pathologist Maura Isles returns from a visit to Paris to find the dead body of a woman outside her
house, surrounded by police, crime scene technicians, and neighbors - all who have assumed the
dead woman is Maura. Adopted at infancy, Maura learns the dead woman is her identical twin
sister.
In her search to find out more about her own biological family, as well as who killed her sister,
Maura finds herself heading down a path filled with death and into the midst of an adoption ring
involving dead pregnant women. Detective Jane Rizzoli plays second fiddle to Maura, but, as
always, she is one of the best characters in the book. Rizzoli is pregnant in this book - close to
term
- but that does not deter her from her fierce determination to be the best cop on the force, even
though she is horrified by the circumstances surrounding her investigation.

I find this to be an excellent series and cannot get enough of Maura or Jane, two strong,
independent
women. This is a fantastic thriller, filled with suspense, with twists and turns at every corner.
Highly
recommended.

Christy Tillery French
Reviewer

Debra's Bookshelf

With five previous books under her belt, Cece Caruso, the protagonist of Susan Kandel's I
Dreamed
I Married Perry Mason, is stalled on her sixth, a biography of Erle Stanley Gardner. Gardner is
best
known as the creator of Perry Mason: he penned more than eighty novels featuring the man
Raymond Burr would immortalize for a television audience. But Gardner was also an attorney
himself, and he made a point in his career of investigating cases in which he believed an innocent
party had been wrongly convicted. He received a great deal of mail, in consequence, from
convicts
hoping to lure Gardner into taking on their cases. His involvement in these nearly lost causes
provides Kandel with the hook for her story, as Cece, while poring through Gardner's
correspondence, stumbles upon one of the letters that did not manage to pique the attorney's
interest. A certain Joseph Albacco Jr. wrote Gardner in 1958, in Kandel's story, shortly after he
was
convicted for killing his wife on their first anniversary. Perry Mason's alter-ego may not have
taken
on the Albacco case, but Cece is struck by the convicted murderer's tone in his letter--humble
rather
than hostile. She hopes to combat her writer's block by walking in Gardner's shoes for a while and
looking into the case. Cece visits Albacco, still moldering in prison forty-odd years hence, and
takes
upon herself the responsibility of righting an old wrong. Unfortunately for her, as old as Albacco's
case may be, there are still people eager to see that the true story of his wife's murder remains
safely
buried.

This first installment in Susan Kandel's series of Cece Caruso mysteries is very appealing. It is a
stroke of genius to give her amateur detective the day job of writing the biographies of mystery
writers: it allows Kandel, as here, to punctuate her novel with information about the subject of
Cece's current writing project. (Next up in the series is Not a Girl Detective, in which Cece takes
on
Nancy Drew.) The writing is good ("I was going for sexy and tousled and vowed not to look in
the
mirror until bedtime for fear of encountering evidence to the contrary."); the mystery absorbing.
Less appealing were Kandel's secondary characters--Cece's daughter and son-in-law; her friend
Lael,
who lives in apparent chaos with a great many children from a great many fathers; the proprietor
of
a vintage clothing store Cece frequents: not poorly written, but not interesting or likeable enough
to
jump off the page. Cece's interest in the designer clothing with which she decks herself also left
me
cold--though readers will find her obsession with Oscar de la Renta silk saris and the like
interesting
or not depending on their own proclivities. That said, the quality of writing, the clever plotting,
and
most especially Kandel's brilliant channeling of Erle Stanley Gardner for this initial offering in the
series makes for a winning combination. I look forward to more of Cece's romps through genre
fiction.

Samantha Kincaid, a Deputy District Attorney in Portland, Oregon, catches a high profile case on
the morning of her 32nd birthday, the murder of hot-shot reporter Percy Crenshaw, who was
bludgeoned to death during the night in his carport. The apparent solution of the case comes
quickly: circumstantial evidence puts two drugged-up teenagers at the scene of the crime. When
one
of them confesses to the murder, the case seems open and shut. But unfortunately for the D.A.'s
office, the methods that were used to extract the suspect's confession may not stand up to
scrutiny.
And unfortunately for Kincaid, the hot-headed officer whom she must confront over his
interrogation techniques is her live-in boyfriend's partner on the force. With Samantha's
relationships
with the police department and her own personal liaison with it souring over the Crenshaw case,
she
is put in the even less enviable position of shepherding the racially-charged case of an
officer-involved shooting through a grand jury hearing. Sam's relationship with her policeman
boyfriend may not survive these twin, work-related assaults.

This third installment in author Alafair Burke's Samantha Kincaid series is a sort of "D.A.
procedural"--imagine a Law and Order episode with a bit more Law than Order. I did not come
away from the book caring deeply about any of the characters, and the writing is unremarkable
(by
which I do not mean "bad," just transparent), but the story is intriguing. What is particularly good
about the book is the author's careful explanation of the case and its complications (perhaps not
surprising since the author is herself a former deputy D.A.). We are given an insider's view of a
prosecutor's response to a case--the evidence, its handling by the police, the testimony of
witnesses,
the affect on the case of the personalities involved. The reader comes to appreciate the
complications that Samantha faces in seeing the Crenshaw case through, not least of which are the
personal problems that arise because her interests as a prosecuting attorney differ from those of
the
man she lives with. Close Case starts slowly, and what tension there is does not keep one glued to
one's seat. But it builds into an intellectually interesting read. I, for one, was left wanting to read
more.

Twenty-four-year-old Eric Mercer is a good guy, but he copes with the disappointments of a life
that hasn't quite gone according to plan by drinking too much. Weekdays find him working two
jobs--assisting alternately at a bar and a funeral home--and sharing in the task of raising his
five-year-old daughter, who lives full-time with her mother. Weekends he is more often than not
drunk and belligerent to the point of exciting police attention. Jason Headley's debut novel follows
Eric's life in the present, a chapter a day, through one unusually eventful week, from a Sunday
morning hangover endured in the local jail to the following Saturday, when everything--and
nothing--has changed. The seven chapters devoted to Eric's present are interspersed with chapters
detailing slices from his past: his liberation of a Playboy Magazine from someone's stolen stash
when
he was twelve; the big game against his town's arch-rivals that Eric won more or less
single-handedly during his senior year; the birth of his daughter. Gradually the pieces of Eric's life,
related out of sequence, recombine to explain the mystery of his character: how a top student, a
hero
on the gridiron, a man whose innate goodness is plain to see--despite the darker side that reveals
itself when he drinks--how such a man came only seven years after his high school triumphs to be
squandering his life in a kind of hopeless holding pattern.

Jason Headley's Small Town Odds is an elegant, gorgeously written novel. And it is well plotted,
the
various elements of Eric's quiet drama lining up as they are meant to and leading inevitably to the
book's denouement, but not in such a way that one notices mid-read what the author is doing.
Only
afterward does one appreciate the story's structure, how a funeral and a football game and the
baggage of Eric's past lead finally to resolution. Like Richard Russo, the Pulitzer-winning author
of
Empire Falls with whom he has been compared, Headley offers readers a charming exploration of
life in small-town America, where the cast of characters tends to remain unchanged, and people
bump into one another's lives at various points, passing time together and sharing histories and
resentments: the sort of aging that makes for complex relationships. And like Richard Russo,
Headley is able to create from these elements some very fine fiction indeed.

The last straw for Kate Fenshaw isn't so much the disgusting residue from her son's party that
greeted her return home after a weekend away--the congealed egg on the wall in the kitchen, the
pool of some stranger's urine by the back door--but rather her husband Rodney's reaction to the
mess, to what she'd had to do to make things right: sheer indifference. TV on, Rodney barely
listens
to her complaints, and something inside Kate snaps. It was a long time coming, we learn, as Kate
falls later into an alcohol-washed sleep, and we fall with her out of the book's prologue and into
Kate's past. We land thirty years later in 1965 and watch Kate's sometimes heart-rending struggles
to
assert her independence from her sharp-tongued mother Biddy, a woman who doles out her love
so
stintingly that Kate remains hungry for more of it for the rest of her life. For the next thirty years
Kate never really manages to shake off her mother's dampening influence. Her life follows the
usual
arc: college and marriage, friendships and motherhood. She is by no means miserable, but true
happiness is precluded by her relationships with her mother and her spouse: she is smothered by
the
former's expectations, and virtually ignored by the extraordinarily egocentric Rodney.

Cover the Butter--the title, at least in its literal sense, refers to her parents' post-prandial habit of
doing just that--is a nicely written, often moving story. While its subject matter is on the heavy
side--mothers can crush their young, and men can be bastards--the book is not a depressing read.
Its
writing is lively and light, and Kate's soul is never in fact extinguished by the innumerable
injustices
and small abuses she is made to bear. The book, however, is over-long. Some 30-50 pages could
probably have been cut without it losing its impact, and a tighter story would have made a more
gripping read. Even at its current length, however, the book comes recommended: the author tells
Kate's story well, and it's a tale that a lot of women will probably recognize as an exaggerated
version of their own lives.

Debra Hamel, Reviewer
http://www.tryingneaira.com

Gary's Bookshelf

Long has done a first class job of telling the story of how Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona
Beach, Florida was founded and how Mary McLeod Bethune was the driving force behind this
major black institution in the country. Bethune's life story is an inspiration because she overcame
so
much to accomplish the remarkable things she did.

In this fourth installment of the "Computer Granny" series, the author now shows seniors how to
protect themselves from major problems. She again writes simply and explains identity theft,
e-mail
scams, viruses, are some of the things she deals with this time. Unlike many computer geeks I've
known who don't translate their information to me, Char Wood talks to readers in language they
can
understand and tells how important it is to initiate these protections. I'm sorry to say this is the
last
of the series of books by this author about the computer world. Hopefully she will tackle
something
new to help seniors.

This is an interesting collection that makes one think about people with disabilities in a very
different
way. Some of the writers are politicians who tell that government has done many things but feel it
can do more to help disabled individuals. There are also stories about and by people with
disabilities.
The book is a learning tool to be more understanding of people with disabilities. The fascinating
thing about this gathering of writings is the number of people who are very positive about living
with
a disability.

In the press material that accompanied this book, the age group listed states 12 and up. I disagree.
I
feel this is not proper material for someone that young to be reading. I think the ideas are more
suited to someone who is 16 and up. I'm very surprised Scholastic would even think to market
titles
to such a young age. There are other things I did not like about this story, among them it is very
hard to keep straight which character of this rock band is telling his or her story. I found the book
to
be boring and unrealistic of the world of a rock band.

Escapees, Aidan and Meg Falconer head to Boston to locate evidence to prove their parents'
innocence. They are on a mission to find out what really happened to their parents, as they are
fugitives from the law. What I enjoyed was how these two teenagers are able to stay one step
ahead
of the law enforcement agencies that are trying to bring them in. The characters are believable
while
the writing is tight in a very fast paced thriller that is as good as "On the Run Book One Chasing
the
Falconers." I look forward to the next novel in the series.

Can't find what you are looking for? Check out this wonderful new edition. Whatever you want to
find is all here with easy to read descriptions, photos of famous people, to animals. This is the
biggest easiest research tool for kids to use that does not cost an arm and a leg. What's also nice is
you don't have to be a kid to use it

I've always liked suspense novels and this one is a gem. In fact, this is a great one by this author.
Known for her titles that are song titles, this races along to its final shattering conclusion. They
say
write what you know and in this case Mary Jane Clark, who works for the news department of
CBS,
has once again filled the story with believable characters who work for a news network. Diane
Mayfield is sent to a town in New Jersey to cover for her news network a strange case of a
possible
abduction. No one believes the woman who claims she is a victim. Mayfield delves into the case
and
becomes a target herself. This Clark novel is a winner in keeping the suspense to the very end.
This
is a fast paced read that is also very revealing in how the news media really works.

To my knowledge this is the first book on the subject of mixed racial couples. It reveals a lot
about
our society and how we are so into labels. It points out that only recently has the census has a
place
to put mixed race for classification. But we have far to go. For instance in the realm of market
research there are only a few races represented for a person to be classified in. The author spoke
to
19 people who show the frustration of classification, racism, raising children of their own. What I
found most interesting is that the author talked to mostly people in the creative arts. I would love
to
see other volumes of other professionals who are of mixed backgrounds. This book should be
used
on college campuses across the country in courses that deal with race relations.

I have to admit I had my doubts about this book but I have to say it is a delightful excursion into
the
world of summer camps and how important they can be in a person's life. Eisner tells many tales
of
his life as a child and shows a very different side of the Disney executive we thought was only for
the corporation. This is a totally very likeable persona of the man. He has an easy writing style
that
draws the reader in to learn more about the man and where he came from.

This kid's book is a positive role model for all young girls to read and begin to believe they can be
whatever they want to be. The author used Sandra Day O'Conner, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and
Sally
Ride as young girls to show that if you dream it, you can do it.

Gary Roen
Reviewer

Gorden's Bookshelf

This is the first history book that I have read that takes the world environment and integrates it
into
human history. Diamond uses concepts, known in physics as complex systems and in math as
chaos,
to build a logical reasoning behind the development of societies in the world. 'Guns' is a great first
attempt in this difficult process. A little more knowledge of complex systems on Diamond's part
would help with the weaknesses in his history. Feedback is a stronger force than he envisions, the
exceptions are more open, and tracing back through history is more open to multiple minor
starting
factors. Despite the weaknesses, this is a major historical analysis with important truths about
history.

'Guns, Germs, and Steel 'starts with the developing of farming from hunter gatherers and traces
how
this influences societies and the environment itself. 'Guns' shows how food production developed
into technological change, centralized government, writing, human diseases and finally the
migrations of societies across the world. The logic is solid. The proof is anecdotal. But the logic
in
'Guns' forces the historian to reject most previous theories and look closely at the world/human
environment as a whole. The pattern of historical change is as important as the change itself.

'Guns, Germs, and Steel' is highly recommended for the reader of history. It is a powerful and
more
accurate way to look at human history. It doesn't tell the reader everything but it does tell more
than
the facts and dates you find in your standard history book. It is a must read.

We all think we know the classic stories. Buck Rogers, Zorro, Tarzan and Conan have been
re-told
so frequently and changed over time that the original strength and depth of character has been
forgotten. Robert E. Howard's Conan is an intelligent, amoral, barbarian, adventurer. He is more
complete and interesting than the modern Conan of the movies. There is a slight streak of nobility
in
Conan but it is hidden under the thieving adventurer traveling through an ancient fantasy world.
This
collection of four tales brings out Howard's real Conan.

In 'Shadows in Zamboula', Conan is a penniless thief/adventurer who is setup for death. He turns
the
tables and ruthlessly extracts revenge.

'Beyond the Black River' is a mercenary tale of civilization battling and losing against barbarians
and
tribal magic. Conan is a soldier hired to protect the frontier. The true hero in the tale is a youth,
Balthus, who learns to become a soldier from Conan. But the bloody victors are the surviving
barbarians.

In 'The Jewels of Gwahlur,' Conan is a thief betraying his employers and fighting monsters.

'Red Nails' is a tale filled with magic and mythical creatures. It tells of people totally corrupted by
magic and revenge. The tale introduces Valeria, a female pirate, who nearly matches the lethal
force
of Conan.

These tales are highly recommended. It is impossible to appreciate the power of Conan without
reading the originals. It would be a shame if all you knew about this great character is the pale
imitation known today.

S.A. Gorden, Reviewer
www.paulbunyan.net/users/gsirvio/content.html

Gypsi's Bookshelf

Twenty-six year old red-headed Jodi wasn't always a vampire, you know. One night, she gets
mugged - or at least that's what it seems like is happening - but the mugger does something totally
odd. He bites her neck, shoves thousands of dollars into her shirt and pulls a dumpster over her.
When she awakens, she makes the unsettling discovery that she has become a bloodsucking
fiend.

Being a vampire isn't all glamour and bloodsucking, of course; there's a disappointing practical
side
to it as well. When you'll fry in the sunlight, how in the world can you get simple things done, like
rent a new apartment, get your car out of the impound and quit your job. Jodi finds the perfect
accomplice in Tommy, who is fresh from Indiana, quite young, and full of big ideas of how to
make
it in San Francisco. Tommy and Jodi naturally fall in love and settle into a settled pattern of
vampire
and minion.

The story doesn't end there, though. Oh no; I mean how could it - this is a Christopher Moore
novel, after all! Several murders, another evil vampire, Tommy's co-workers, a couple of snapping
turtles, the use of a deep freezer, along with the Emperor of the United States and Protector of
Mexico, play crucial parts as Tommy and Jodi find that, yes, life CAN get even more difficult, yes
things CAN get worse. As usual, Moore takes all the bizarre loose ends, ties them up in a
breathtaking package and presents the reader with another amazing novel. Both my husband and I
resent the years it took us to find Moore and eagerly await another novel, while highly
recommending Bloodsucking Fiends. And don't let the fact that I gave it only four stars turn you
off.
. . I just happen to disagree with the author on the proper ending, that's all. . . and once YOU read
it,
email me so we can discuss it!

In Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts, we find the world a darker place. Voldemort's power is
growing
and his Death Eaters are attacking not only the magic community, but the Muggle world as well.
Hermione reads the paper every day looking for the answer to Ron's also daily question,
"Anybody
we know?".

Dumbledore takes Harry aside for special "lessons" and together they delve into memories in
search
of Voldemort's past, in search of any little clue that would help defeat him. Otherwise, things go
much the same at Hogwarts as always. . . new teachers, misunderstandings between friends,
homework, crushes, Quidditch, and deadly peril.

Rowling's latest is another exceptionally good work from the first page to the last. I'll not give any
spoilers, but will only say that the final chapters were so intense and emotional that I've thought of
little else since I finished reading it two days ago! Much of it is open to debate, hopeful
re-interpretation and speculation-and I expect we'll see a lot of it as we wait for the final
installment.
Rowling will have a lot to answer in the book seven, as the Half Blood Prince asked more
questions
than it answered and ended with many loose ends to be tied. In the meantime, this book 1s well
worth at least one more read for it's funny lines, awesome adventure and exceptional writing. My
admiration for its author deepens, as does my love and concern for its characters.

Harwood's Bookshelf

Abracadabra is devoted to demonstrating that magic, defined as simulating the impossible by
methods of deception known only to magicians, is not confined to entertainers.

"We can turn on the TV and find plenty of magic shows. But the magicians don't wear tuxedos
and
manipulate props, and they don't call themselves magicians or even mentalists. They call
themselves
psychics and claim to be predicting the future or speaking with the dead by utilizing cold reading'
techniques - educated guessing - to bring magic to a much wider audience than ever before.
However, these magicians don't present their shows as stage magic but as reality." (p. 7)

As an example of a magician posing as a psychic, Schiffman cites mental magician Kreskin. "The
Amazing Kreskin, who professes to be a psychic, has the appearance and agility of a bumbling
numbskull nerd. But that only goes toward clarifying for certain gullible people that he is the real
deal. Get with it, oh ye of little skepticism: his bumbling is all part of his act." (p. 237) In other
words, Kreskin cultivates the fa‡ade that he is not a professional actor, because the marks are
more
likely to believe he is a psychic if he lacks the stage presence of a polished performer. "Kreskin
has
built a quandary performing under the pretense of being a psychic (who claims no psychic
powers). This, folks, is called underselling. Like much of good magic, you don't tell the audience
what you want them to believe. You display your little trick, then let them make of it what they
will.
Their minds fill in the gaps, and if the gaps happen to say, Oh yes, psychic forces are involved!'
then
who are you to argue?" (p. 320)

"Unfortunately, a large portion of the general public is so unskilled in the dividing line between
science and magic that it is possible for many viewers to plausibly believe that the psychics have
supernatural powers." (p. 7) Television consistently presents magic - deception - as reality. The
claim of the fantasy series Medium to be based on true events is only the latest example. And the
reason for the deception is the bottom line, for, "it is in the best interest of corporations to have as
many consumers believe as many different crackpot ideologies as possible, for each ideology
produces new ideas for revenue streams." (p. 8) And because the only source of information for
the
semi-literate masses is the prostitute media, it follows that, "If magicians are so good at fooling us
during a show when we expect to be fooled, how much more effective magic and illusions could
be
when used to influence us outside of the theater, in real life, in the real world." (p. 303)

In the process of pointing out that victims of deception have little experience in logical thinking,
Schiffman cites the still widespread myth, "The hand is quicker than the eye." The absurdity of
such
a myth becomes evident when persons who express the belief that a magician can perform a
manipulation faster than the eye can follow, nonetheless are not fooled for a moment when a
prankster asks, "Do you want to see the fastest draw in the west?" and a few seconds later,
without
having moved a muscle, asks, "Do you want to see it again?" Yet, "Magicians, including the TV
psychics, use mostly the same tricks and techniques that magicians have been using for millennia,
and audiences are still fooled." (p. 10)

This might be a good point at which to insert a couple of anecdotes not taken from Schiffman's
book, but which support his position. When a mentalist billed as Argus the Boy Wonder was
performing at Melbourne's Tivoli Theatre in the 1940s, identifying and describing articles that
members of the audience handed to his father, who conveyed the information through a verbal
code,
the theatre manager suggested that, while the Boy Wonder was sufficiently polished, his father
should be dropped from the act because, "one of the usherettes can do that." And when a
ventriloquist was rehearsing for the Ed Sullivan Show, Ed or one of his honchos informed the
vent,
"You're coming through okay, but could you hold the dummy closer to the microphone?" My
point,
echoing one that Schiffman makes in many places, is that, if persons in professional show business
cannot distinguish between magic and reality, what chance does Jose McDoakes have?

Abracadabra is a survey course in the principles of deception: Magic 101. And the first principle is
misdirection. While the "how" of specific effects is explained, it is usually in the form of a specific
application of a general principle. While Schiffman is not averse to using the word trick to
describe a
magical effect, he also draws attention to the negative connotations of that word: "Magicians
create
illusions - hookers do tricks." (p. 215) He justifies exposing the "secrets" of magical entertainment
in a book that only readers with some interest in magic will ever read, but has harsh words for
performers who expose the methodology of illusions to anyone who happens to be watching a
sensationalized television program.

While generally denouncing the use of stooges to create an illusion, Schiffman also cites situations
where at least a segment of the magical community sees such rule breaking as justified. For
example,
when David Copperfield made an airplane disappear, he had two choices: either let the alleged
volunteers who formed an unbroken chain around the plane in on the secret, and recruit them to
cooperate by moving aside while the plane was being wheeled away, or not do the illusion at all.
Given the spectacular nature of the end result, few would argue that this kind of stooging can
never
be justified.

However, Schiffman also expresses the view, "Many magicians break that bond [of legitimacy],
presenting themselves as a hypnotist but doing psychic stuff as well. They often conduct
hypnotism
in a scientific way, and stress the truthfulness of it, and the reality of hypnotism. But they then go
ahead and simply lie by performing psychic' acts." That passage is subject to mutually exclusive
interpretations. Is Schiffman saying that when a magician passes himself off as a hypnotist,
presenting unscripted playacting as science, he is crossing the line? Or is he expressing the belief
that
hypnotism is any more genuine than psychic acts? If so, has he never seen a stage hypnotist? For if
he had, he surely could not have mistaken such improvisations by eager amateurs for something
even
remotely scientific.

Perhaps because I came to Abracadabra with unrealistic expectations, I find it disappointingly
trivial.
In my view, its biggest weakness is what someone else might well see as its greatest strength: It is
written for teachables. But to be teachable, one must already have the ability to look at a
questionable proposition critically. The persons most in need of information about how they are
being deceived on a daily basis by what are essentially the principles of magic are unteachable.
Before they can benefit from this book, they need a primer on Gullibility 101. While such primers,
by
James Randi, Martin Gardner (both cited in Schiffman's bibliography), and others are available,
the
unteachables are no more likely to read them than to read Abracadabra. Over all, this book's
greatest value is not for persons to whom information about the offstage use of the techniques of
magic is new, but for persons interested in the techniques of magic for their own sake: magicians,
future magicians (especially), and magic buffs.

Facilitated communication is a form of bodily ventriloquism in which a "facilitator," supposedly
merely supporting the wrist of an autistic or severely retarded patient, uses the patient's fingers to
type a message that is passed off as authored by the patient. In fact the message, most commonly
an
accusation of sexual molestation against innocent caregivers, emanates from the mind of the
facilitator, a self-deluded and as often as not emotionally disturbed crank who cannot be made to
realize that FC is a fraud.

FC largely disappeared from the news media after it was exposed as self-delusion on such
documentary TV programs as Nightline and Sixty Minutes, and the NBC fictional series, Law and
Order. In a recreation of the definitive debunking of the delusion, Law and Order showed a
facilitator being instructed to have her patient describe a photo that she was shown. When the
facilitator asked to be shown the photo, the prosecutor declined, and demanded that the facilitator
turn and face the rear while the photo was shown to the patient. When the facilitator, a True
Believer, took hold of the patient's wrist, the message typed read, "a flower," even though the
photo
had not been a flower. And in the real cases on which the episode was based, the patient had been
shown one photo, while the facilitator was shown what she believed was the same photo but was
in
fact quite different. In all such experiments, the typed message described the photo or object
shown
to the facilitator, not the one shown to the patient.

In the expectation of confirming that the facilitated communication delusion is as dead as the cold
fusion delusion, I used Google to find the latest information on the subject. I was appalled and
repulsed to learn that pushers of this outrageous fraud are continuing to practise facilitated
communication in state-supported institutions, and continuing to validate false sexual abuse
allegations that originate in the minds of the facilitators. As Herman Spitz summarizes in
Nonconscious Movements, "Facilitated communication is not easily expunged; indeed, it
continues
to spread like a virus run rampant. The antidote is knowledge and we have a rich stock of
evidence and a storehouse of knowledge. Because proponents of facilitated communication do
not
know or choose to ignore this enlightening history, facilitated communication now takes its place
alongside the witch trials, magic cures, animal magnetism, an other such phenomena in the long
struggle of our species to emerge from the grip of irrationality" (p. 175). Sadly, that negative
conclusion is as true in 2005 as when Herman Spitz wrote it in 1997.

Spitz spells out in detail the evidence falsifying facilitated communication, showing that it is the
result of the same kind of involuntary muscle movements that led to belief in dowsing, ouija
boards,
Clever Hans (an allegedly mathematical horse), pendulum swinging, and some other phenomena
such as automatic writing that strike me as better explained as conscious humbuggery. He quotes
(p.
13) the findings of researchers Botash et al, who wrote that, "The fact that [some] allegations of
abuse rendered via FC were ultimately corroborated by physical evidence and/or confessions does
not necessarily validate the technique of FC since the initial allegation may still have emanated
from
the facilitators. If any of the facilitators were adult survivors of abuse, it is possible that they may
not
have been as objective as nonabused facilitators."

He reports that, "The weight of evidence is that sexual abuse of developmentally disabled people,
primarily children, is widespread. This being the case it follows that at least some of the charges
made by facilitators via facilitated communication must by chance be true" (p. 17, emphasis in
Spitz). And he summarizes, "The communications contain information that only the facilitators
know because the facilitators themselves are, without awareness, directing the typing. Naturally
the
facilitators deny this, just as those who questioned Clever Hans and Lady [another talking horse]
denied their roles in the horses' responses" (p. 45).

Spitz demonstrates that, "There are similarities between the false memory syndrome and
facilitated
communication. The same wish-fulfilling mechanisms that drive believers in facilitated
communication find fertile ground in the expectancy fulfillment of therapists who believe in the
ubiquity of repressed memories of abuse and therefore induce memories,' usually unwittingly" (p.
149). But while Spritz recognizes that most recovered memories are false memories, he suggests
that some recovered memories may be legitimate. They are not. Even when self-styled therapists
elicit sexual abuse allegations that are independently corroborated, the patient's tale is still a false
memory, in the sense that it is a memory put into his mind by the therapist, not a memory of any
true
event, no matter how similar it may be to a true event.

Spitz does not get everything right. On rare occasions he endorses the reality of delusions every
bit
as fraudulent as facilitated communication. He debunks multiple personality, but offers
explanations
for the rare situation in which multiple personality disorder is not conscious playacting (p. 131 ff).
Newsflash: Multiple personality is always conscious playacting. He is far too charitable to Joseph
Rhine, a gullible twit who validated the existence of ESP in a horse. He endorses the reality of
hypnotism, a new name for animal magnetism but just as nonexistent. But the fact that a more
comprehensive debunking of facilitated communication has not been published since Spitz's book,
despite the survival and even expansion of the hoax, is a good indication that Spitz was so
thorough
that there is really nothing more to say. Surviving pushers are unteachable. End of
discussion.

The "Black Atlantic" referred to in the subtitle is Paul Gilroy's "pathbreaking book...engaging with
philosophical, sociological, historical, political, as well as literary issues." The author Gruesser
himself takes this approach to the interrelationships--the confluences--among postcolonial
writings,
African American literary works, and influences and literature in Africa and the Caribbean and
their
presence in other, mostly white, cultures. The term "black Atlantic" was used originally in the
field
of black art. Gruesser notes especially Gilroy's interest in "routes" more so than "roots."
Gruesser--professor of English at New Jersey's Kean University--develops a panoramic
comprehension of the different literary areas; which are typically studied in the light of different
theories. But this author is interested in the experiences, sensibilities, and cultural and historical
grounds drawing the different literature together. Writings by Salman Rushdie, Naipaul, Walter
Mosley, Toni Morrison, and Alice Walker are among those assayed. Gruesser explores the bonds
among this diverse group.

Reexamining contemporaneous documents, studying ones which have come to light later, and
talking to surviving individuals, author-lawyer Burke puts together a strong argument that the
Molly
Maguires acquired their notorious reputation as an anarchic, murderous gang as a result of
underhanded scheming by individuals associated with the Pinkerton detective agency, including its
legendary founder Allan Pinkerton who gained fame in the Civil War. Burke uncovers and
analyzes
documents which call into question statements and testimony given by such persons that at the
time
were used to convict and execute by hanging twenty local Irishmen. Burke, an Irishman from the
Pennsylvania region where the violent labor strife of the latter 1800s occurred with ancestors who
were miners, writes an absorbing account that will alter any reader's perspective on this historical
episode of an early U.S. labor conflict involving the different players of the Irish laborers, mine
owners, local residents, and government agencies. He tells his story rooted in his methodical
research in a mostly novelistic style bringing central characters to life and attributing actions and
quotes recorded in documents of inferred from them.

The word "lyceum" is a Latin word with a Greek derivative that was a name for the god of the
sun.
The association with classical learning and culture and the "enlightening" the audience of lyceum
events would undergo were intentional. The idea of the lyceum in America arose in the early
1800s
as a means to provide common knowledge and ideas, or at least some common experiences, for
the
population of an America that was expanding geographically, changing demographically from
large
numbers of immigrants, and engaging with the early phases of industrialism and new inventions
such
as the steamboat. Lyceums throughout the U. S., including frontier areas, were seen by both
promoters and audiences as matrixes for unity and communication for the increasingly complex
democratic society. In spite of the high-mindedness and vision of their originators, it wasn't long
before lyceums were holding circus-like entertainments and other events straying from their
intended
purposes. But lyceums drew large local audiences wherever they were held, inevitably playing a
large part in forming the democratic public culture, much as the universality and eclecticism of
television does today. The lyceum--the numerous ones in all parts of the country--is studied not
only
as representing the diversity and interests of 19th-century America, but also as a central,
fundamental ground of rhetoric as "that art by which culture and community and character are
constituted and transformed." Though "lyceum" is now an antique word and only traces of the
idealism of its originators remain, one recognizes by Ray's historical and social study that the
lyceum
contributed greatly to the foundation of a unique American culture. This author is a professor in
the
Department of Communication Studies at Northwestern University.

Scully says that in the eight essays he means to question the "fetishes we find ourselves wearing
like
ankle bracelets...that enable cultural overseers to shut us up in a kind of house arrest." Adrienne
Rich remarks in her "Foreword" on this poet's "fiercely demystifying intelligence." Yes, Scully
fiercely, uncompromisingly, brings his hopes for a truly, thoroughly humane world into the light.
Such hopes are often preceded by trenchant, riveting critiques on writings, ideas, and states of
affairs; and sometimes the hopes are bound in with these in a struggle. Such struggling especially
is
the sign that besides having a cogent moral sense and articulated vision, Scully is a consummate
realist. He does not abandon common, inevitable life for promises, visions, or programs of a
heavenly life. What he surely does bring to light is the true notion that "ankle bracelets" need not
be
an inevitable or permanent part of life, nor be the defining attribute of it. The essays mostly and
ostensibly about poetry, writing style, expression and all its sources and destinations are in a
larger
sense and ultimately about larger life than most are accustomed to, and than most can even
conceive
of. The essays packed with serious and reflective thought, earnest with teaching and persuasion,
and
buoyant with inspiration and possibility demonstrate once again that the best writing on politics,
culture, and individual life and its choices usually comes from accomplished poets such as Scully.
Essays of Seamus Heaney are another example.

In Russia, the responses to the feelings of decadence spread throughout Europe in the
fin-de-siecle
period of the end of the 19th century manifest "utopian, millennial hopes to an extent unknown in
Europe." Unconventional, exotic, feverishly imaginative sexual ideas and practices were the locus
of
such hopes. At the heart of these were emotions and ideas about the desirability and potency of
abstinence. However, this was not chastity in the religious sense, but rather a suppressed eroticism
which reflected both the sense of futility relating to an apocalyptic outlook and also the
anomalous
hope of spiritual regeneration and transformation. Matich--professor of Russian literature and
culture at the U. of California, Berkeley--lays out the varied symbols, literature, and practices of
this
peculiar Russian turn relating to perceived decadence in the latter 19th-century political and social
disruptions and concomitant anxieties in Russia and parts of Europe. The Russian writers Tolstoy
and Alexander Blok and the philosopher Dmitri Merezhovsky and the woman Zinaida Grippius
with
whom he had a relationship are among those critiqued for bases and variations of this Russian
blending of eroticism, spirituality, vision, and politics. Matich has a solid hand on this heretofore
obscure vein of Russian fin-de-siecle culture ordinarily dominated by radical political
philosophers,
social anarchists, and the writer Dostoevsky. The author brings cogency and breadth, and thus
allure
and longevity, to the subject.

Copious, detailed statistics and related material represented in the book's many tables finds that
despite the claims of charter schools' advocates and some success stories, there is no meaningful
difference between charter schools and public schools. "[C]harter schools are not, and likely will
not
be, able to play a large role in reforming public education as a whole." The four authors are all
academics in the overlapping areas of economics and education belonging to the Institute
publishing
this timely study that is associated with Teachers College, Columbia U. The Bush Administration's
program "No Child Left Behind" is scrutinized in one chapter in light of the findings recorded
here.
Recommendations for more relevant standards for measuring and judging the performance of
students and schools are put forth as well mostly in appendices. An up-to-date, sound, and with
respect to some central education questions, definitive report for educators, administrators, and
policy makers.

The holistic Zen teachings of Thich Nat Hanh are behind this picture given by a young girl of
everything that goes into the little yellow pear tomatoes in her family's garden. "A lot of
not-a-tomato [italicized in original] things" are in them. Her mother and father are "in" the
tomatoes
for helping to cultivate them. Sunshine, worms, insects, and weather are also in the tomatoes
because they are a part of the surrounding, ecological environment in which the tomatoes grow.
Tamarin's dramatic shifts in perspective from illustration to illustration help carry this holistic
message home to young readers. A farmland panorama is followed by earthworms in the ground
beneath the tomato plants; in one double-page illustration, the young girl becomes smaller than a
plant leaf, while in a later picture her head in shown among the planetary system.

The subtitle is taken from Melville's short story "Benito Cereno." Although Wallace cannot verify
that the two major early 19th-century American figures ever met, he abundantly demonstrates
from
themes and quotes from their influential writings and activities and associations of theirs that the
two
men were kindred spirits. A professor of Literature and Language at Northern Kentucky U. and
former president of the Melville Society, Wallace found his intuition that Douglass and Melville
were connected in significant ways "deepened and expanded in multiple ways" as he researched
and
wrote this work. No one can argue with this after reading his work with much visual matter
emphasizing the ties between these two important literary and cultural figures. Stories of
Melville's
and essays of Douglass's deal with individuals at the bottom or margins of society, the cruelties of
physical punishment, and also the characteristic perspectives and abilities of individuals treated as
less than human. An accessible work for young adults and adults that with its plumbing of
comparisons of the works and concerns of Melville and Douglass sheds new light not only on
them,
but also American society in the years leading up to the Civil War.

The European emigre writer Adorno is a major mid 20th century author identified with the
Frankfurt
School of social criticism. Although this School is usually described as having a Marxist
perspective,
the social criticism of Adorno is not doctrinaire or propagandistic. Adorno's writings--as this
current
publication testifies again--have stood the test of time for their acuteness, rigor, and application of
first-rate intellectual powers to subjects of the contemporary society. These qualities of Adorno's
critical thinking are evident as well in his work "In Search of Wagner." In a 20-page introductory
foreword, the philosopher/social critic Slavoj Zizek takes up the question "Why Is Wagner Worth
Saving?" Wagner's music, ideas, and biography continue to draw the attention of thinkers in
various
fields because exploration of these and positions reached regarding them yield insights and
assessments on power, anti-Semitism, art, psychology, and politics in the modern world. Written
in
the late 1930s, "In Search of Wagner" demonstrates Adorno's innovative, timely, and valuable
methodology as it grapples with central questions of modern culture.

Henry Berry
Reviewer

Hunter's Bookshelf

Most financial experts encourage their clients to diversify to protect their portfolios in both up
and
down markets. Many investors, however, are confused as to their options when attempting to put
that plan into action. Gene Walden, author of more than 20 investment books, makes available an
easy to read and understand solution to the problem. He lists over twenty investment alternatives
to
stocks, and gives his readers the information needed to make choices based on their needs and
temperament. Among the listed alternatives are an eclectic mix ranging from annuities to Treasury
Inflation-protected Securities (TIPS) and a variety of others in between.

Walden devotes a short chapter to each of his twenty-four suggestions. For simplicity, he begins
each chapter with a succinct explanation of the investment vehicle and then divides his analysis
into
twelve straightforward and understandable major considerations the investor must take into
account
before making the decision to include the instrument in his or her portfolio. These include such
necessary pieces of information as who should buy the particular investment and who should not,
what rate of return might be assumed, what risks are involved, what are the upside and downside
potentials, how to buy the investment vehicle, and such other considerations as to concerns,
timing
the purchase and monitoring your investments. He also discusses any special considerations
involved
in the particular investment, and finally he suggests an asset allocation level for each.

Each of the considerations are presented in an uncomplicated writing style without a lot of
investment mumbo-jumbo. Since every chapter follows the same pattern, it is easy to compare
each
alternative in an item by item manner and to decide if it should fit into your financial plan.

The final chapter is devoted to an overall discussion of asset allocation and makes general
recommendations based upon the reader's own age, risk tolerance, and other factors. All in all, the
book anticipates and addresses most of the questions the novice or more experienced investor
might
have before embarking on a complete investment plan.

This is a nicely laid out book which provides basic information on a wide variety of personal
finance
topics in an easy to use and understand format. Among the many topics is information on how to
get
more out of your current income, advice on insurance and annuities, and the benefits and pitfalls
of
investing in real estate, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and treasury issues.

A helpful feature is the inclusion in every chapter of a section called "Fast Forward." This is, in
reality, a quick reference summary of major points of the chapter. Busy people sometimes don't
have
time to read the whole thing.

Another interesting feature is the use of easy to recognize icons to call the reader's attention to
areas
in which there might be a question or special information. Sprinkled throughout are icons of a
pensive scientist with "Expert Advice." Here there tips on such things as using credit for meeting
emergencies, using 401k's and IRA's to accumulate savings, and where to find yields on
government
securities. Caution signs warn about possible repercussions of taking a specific course of action.
Important definitions are signaled with an icon of a muscle man. Finally, and icon of two musical
notes calls attention to "margin notes" on various items of interest.

This book succeeds very well in its intended purpose. It serves as a quick introduction to many
important areas of personal finance without bogging down in complicated theories and charts,
gives
some very helpful basic advice, and serves as a handy reference book for further study.

William Spitz has written a well organized easily understood guidebook on saving for retirement.
Among the topics covered are a run down on the basics of retirement plans, formulas for
determining how much you should be saving to meet your retirement goals, a review of
investment
fundamentals, an interesting look at investment risk, and how to create a portfolio and select
appropriate mutual funds. Each of these topics are discussed in clear and concise language and
illustrated with relevant charts and graphs. The section on risk and the section on creating an
investment portfolio interested me the most.

Spitz restates the well documented correlation between investment risk and reward and attempts
to
put it in proper perspective for those who are in the process of saving for retirement. Briefly, he
cites five factors which must be considered when evaluating investment risk. They are time,
human
capital, financial responsibilities, other resources, and emotional makeup. For each factor he
discusses important considerations and provides some guidelines to help in understanding.

The section on creating an investment portfolio is interesting and well done. He introduces the
theory of the optimization process an its use in selecting appropriate investment choices. He
presents
four recommended portfolios and discusses them based on risk/reward projections.

This is a nice guide to saving for retirement, especially for those nearing retirement who need to
refresh their memory on some important basics of saving and investing.

Clint Hunter
Reviewer

Judine's Bookshelf

The spotlight of fame propels only a limited number of people. The American Idol show proves
this
true. While some have years of talent, a novice can rise to public icon status within a short period
of
time. Maybe divine order chooses those who will use the mass attention, not for self-glorification,
but to uplift the spirits of those within their reach.

"Just My Take" sheds snippets of wisdom on common, every day thoughts and feelings. There's
inspiration in Being Unique,' constructive advice in Misdirected Aggression,' and nothing but the
truth in Letting Go.' But she begins by daring you to realize your greatness in You
Are Simply:'

You are mighty. You are beautiful.
You are self-sufficient. You are tough.
You are great. You are worthy. You are amazing.
You are one of a kind and let no one tell you different.

Lana Moorer aka M.C. Lyte reaches into her heart and pens motivation pieces for those who may
have given up on love, on trust or on themselves. Her book reveals the emotions, which probably
inspires her lyrics. In "Just My Take" MC Lyte gives back to the community through a different
art
form. When the disc jockey picks another tune, her words will continue to play.

Who remembers chain letters? These frightening messages, sent anonymously, scared the receiver
into forwarding the note to a certain number of people, or else doom and gloom kinda like the
paper version of electronic spam.

In "The Promise Box," an unknown culprit mails Bernadette Windsor a puzzling poem suggesting
her demise and revealing old family secrets. Slightly afraid but more intrigued, she attempts to dig
up
the truth from her sisters, Beatrice and Marietta. While her body symptoms tell the signs of the
past,
Marietta wants to keep the facts buried. The doctor warns, "Things that happened far back can
end
up trickling down to you." (pg 86) Bernadette knows the box with written childhood promises has
many answers, but where can it be found?

Vanessa Craddock writes with an Alfred Hitchcock flare. The reader anxiously waits to uncover
the
mystery until the very last pages. With the help of excellent detail, I vividly imagined the scenes.
She
held me in such suspense, I almost cheated by reading the last chapter before its time. "The
Promise
Box" could easily become a box office hit. Now pass this review on to 10 of your friends.

Judine Slaughter, Reviewer
http://class.universalclass.com/tomarket

Julian's Bookshelf

Like a wise old woman imparting into an impressionable child, "Unveiled" Damsel Arise moves to
give spiritual and intellectual motivation through its wisdom. "Unveiled" is a book of poetry
searching the joys and pain of womanhood. The title of the book looks at unveiling the mask
covering the hurt, and continuing to move on. Marie A. Broadwater gives both power and
inspiration through her poetry. The book is well written, moving from spiritual elements of poetry
to
more situational perspectives on the daily challenges of womanhood. The author uses a style that
is
simple, yet classy and compassionate. In the mold of Maya Angelou, many of the titles are direct
statements speaking to empowering women despite their individual obstacles. The strongest point
in
"Unveiled" Damsel Arise is the gentle strength with which she delivers both encouragement and
pride. Broadwater handles these issues expertly, educated by her personal experiences.

For women, this is a book where specific poems will impact each person differently. For men,
"Unveiled" gives a voyeuristic look at the heart of a woman. There is much to enjoy within
"Unveiled", from the uplifting poem "Now you can fly", discussing the relationship between a
mother and her child, to prayerful works like "This Day Oh Lord".

A common problem exists in books of this nature. There simply aren't enough pages. "Unveiled"
Damsel Arise is a brisk forty-four pages. It is not a book that causes the reader to question or
interpret. It mainly focuses on the spirit of the reader. Since most poetry is read or recited
continuously, inspired readers will discount the lack of material available.

Putting the book in its proper context, "Unveiled" Damsel Arise is a book of poetry that gains its
charisma from its positive nature. It is void of abstract connotations, but in its simplicity, it offers
a
clear understanding of spiritual relevance to the joys and pain of womanhood.

With Every Drop of Blood from the Wound is the story of two protagonists, Gabriel and Willy,
facing the hard reality of their adolescent failures in their adult lives. The title of the novel comes
from the lyrics of a song at the end of the book that Corleto wrote to underscore the pain of lost
dreams. Manuel Corleto attempts to make a point in the story: that in the end the only enduring
and
worthwhile value is love, the human need for each other, the need of family, of belonging, and of
warmth.

Manuel Corleto bypasses any and every innuendo, choosing to meet violence and sexual
exploration
directly. There is elegance within the honest brutality of the book. There seems to be two stories
fused together and held by the faint thread representing the characters evolution and their
memories.
The author looks upon his creation with both knowledge and confusion, as he questions virtue
and
later gives interpretation to those questions through his characters.

Set in the late 1940's and 1950's, Manuel Corleto creates a vivid urban environment in the
railroads
of Guatemala, and shows a particular awareness of the locale. Manuel Corleto is extremely
articulate
in communicating his points, and flows very well when the characters are involved in reflection.
There is a difficulty in determining the importance of some of the minor characters and events.
Characters are introduced and dismissed without adding much to the story. Also, the vulgarity the
author possibly included to provide a verbal exclamation detracts from the pureness of the
author's
purpose.

The plot is a disturbingly intense puzzle, connected or disjointed dependent on the page. An
indirect
plan is used, which allows the reader to determine who to love or hate through the character's
actions. The author was extremely detailed in his descriptions of the characters and their
environments. Lesser characters were given emotional qualities rivaling the major characters.
There
was a sense of love and belonging evident in Gabriel and Willy, yet at times these qualities were
overshadowed by their carnal flaws displayed by their contempt for the laws and rules of
society.

Dramatic incidents flourish through the novel, forcing the reader to backtrack through previously
read pages. Michael B. Miller does an exceptional job translating Corleto's story, clearly capturing
the author's vision. The indexes and definitions were a benefit to the book's clarity. A reader could
easily lose track of the characters, but once the family lineage has been recognized through the
index, the pace of the story can be settled.

Overall, With Every Drop of Blood from the Wound is a well written novel by a talented writer
that
readers may have difficulty relating to. Manuel Corleto provides significant details to bring to
reality
a foreign environment and a difficult subject. The book focuses on the most violent parts of
society,
but the best writing comes in the form of the subtle moments of tranquility within the story.

Julian Vaughan Hampton
Reviewer

Lowe's Bookshelf

For Natasha Ionadis, the rules of life are as clear as her reflection on the breast plate of her
Temple
Guard uniform. For the last few of her 22 years, her mantra has been the Guard maxim, "when in
doubt, polish it." In Walls of Westernfort, this devout young woman is offered an opportunity by
the
Temple hierarchy to be part of a covert mission and she leaps at the chance to offer her life to her
goddess, Celaeno. She is to be part of a team of three women who are to infiltrate a group of evil
heretics, journey to their stronghold known as Westernfort, and assassinate their leaders.

Natasha's commanders doubt any of the women will survive their mission. Posing as a family
interested in joining the heretics, the intelligence agents' journey will challenge the beliefs that
Natasha has sworn herself to defend, force her to face her own internal crisis, and define the
nature
of loyalty and faith. Along the way, she also struggles with her definition of family, and finally,
love.

Walls of Westernfort is a recent release from Jane Fletcher and part of her growing Celaeno
fantasy
series. Celaeno is an all-female society in a pre-industrial, pre-Enlightenment setting ruled by a
strict
theocracy. The idea of a female-centric, goddess-worshipping world is often symbolic of a utopian
culture in lesbian-feminist founded speculative fantasy and science fiction. And a new reader to
the
Celaeno series might be tempted to adopt this view initially, especially as she travels with the
naive
and earnest Natasha on her coming-of-age quest.

However, it soon becomes apparent that not all is as it may appear in Natasha's world. The
Temple
authorities who oversee the worship of Celaeno, with its complex undercurrents of science
cloaked
in religion, will tolerate no deviance from its established policies and will stop at nothing to ensure
compliance with temple law. Thus issues involving the nature of religion, particularly that of a
fundamentalist view, and the dangers it can impose in politics is a primary theme of Fletcher's
Celaeno world.

As a result, Walls of Westernfort, is not only a highly engaging and fast-paced adventure novel, it
provides the reader with an interesting framework for examining the same questions of loyalty,
faith,
family and love that Natasha must face.

Refreshing in its original twists on old themes, the Walls of Westernfort is well conceived and
Fletcher's characters are multifaceted and interesting. Through Natasha's eyes the reader is treated
to
layered discoveries of the complexities of these women. Indeed, it is through familiarity that the
"evil
heretics" are revealed to be intelligent, equally determined women struggling to survive within
their
own conscience. This humanization of the evil enemy creates increasingly difficult internal
conflicts
for Natasha, forcing her to think for herself rather than accept established doctrine.

It is unnecessary to have read any other Celaeno novels to follow the action and the unfolding
culture. While some of the characters in Walls will be familiar to readers of other Celaeno titles,
the
series is not designed to be strictly chronological. Rather, it appears to be theme-based on the
institutions of that world, with stories focusing on the ruling Sisters of the Temple, the Temple
Guard, the Rangers, the Militia, the psychically skilled healers known as Imprinters and, perhaps
most importantly, the heretics.

In Walls, we see the Temple Guard, inside and out. We learn of their strict code of discipline and
life, including abstinence from alcohol and sex, and with Natasha we learn of the harsh, cruel
methods the Guard employs to deal with heretics in the name of Celaeno. Natasha finds herself
struggling with age-old conflicts faced by military personnel. Is it lawful to complete a mission
that
is morally wrong? Is it insubordination to refuse? Who gets to decide?

Related to Natasha's self-questioning is her growing attraction to Dani, one of the heretics
assigned
to guide the "family" to Westernfort. A potter by trade, Dani's short life is marked by scars from a
great deal of loss and pain, courtesy of the Guards. And as the attraction and affection between
the
two women grows, it will become apparent that before Dani can allow herself the hope of loving
Natasha, she will have to deal with those scars.

In Walls, Fletcher brings this chapter of Natasha's life to a satisfying conclusion. However, it is
clear
that many stories of Celaeno remain to be explored. This reviewer will be looking for other titles
set
in Celaeno and hopes that Fletcher continues with her storytelling.

"She'd read a romantic book and thought maybe someday life would be like that, but it never
seemed
like women in books had jobs and families and worries -- things that made it hard to look around
for
somebody who might be fun, might want to see if where they were headed in life was the same
destination." (p79)

This passage defines a theme in Karin Kallmaker's newest romance, Sugar. Kallmaker, arguably
the
best-selling writer of lesbian romances, contrasts images of a "traditional romance" (if such a thing
can be said to be portrayed in lesbian writing) with the realities of love as it exists in everyday life.
The lead character, Sugar Sorenson, is a talented, intelligent woman in her thirties struggling to
establish her own specialty bakery business in Seattle's post-Dotcom-boom. The action opens
when
Sugar's home is destroyed by fire and her plans for competing in a city-wide "Cook Off" contest,
with its related monetary prize and boost in notoriety, are seriously threatened.

After months of no social life, Sugar suddenly finds herself under the romantic notice of not one,
but
three attractive, dynamic women. There is a gentle but strong social worker named "Tree," a tall,
dark and handsome firefighter named "Charlie" Bronson, and the elegant and vivacious television
producer named Emily. Their combined energy is almost more than Sugar can juggle after her
long,
self-imposed solitude, not to mention the stress of the fire. For a time, Sugar is confused because
her
apartment is not the only fire she is feeling. The sexual tension is palpable and Kallmaker serves
readers a few deliciously hot scenes. Sugar tries to decide which woman really attracts her -- and,
more importantly she realizes -- which woman's life is headed in the same direction as Sugar's.

With nowhere to go Sugar finds herself returning to her maternal grandmother's house and braces
for the onslaught of judging, preaching and meddling that characterized her grandmother while
she
was growing up. But something has changed dramatically and Sugar discovers that she perhaps
didn't know her grandmother as well as she thought. There are assorted complications and
miscommunications to occur in the weeks following the fire and Sugar's life does not turn out as
she'd expected.

Food and baking flow through the novel in many ways. Descriptions of complex baking projects
occur through much of Sugar's day as well as the steady, comfort baking of Sugar's grandmother.
Further, Sugar's world view is often cooking related with Emily's eyes being "the blue of four
drops
of food coloring into a quarter-cup of sugar" (p7) and a woman is "hotter than Tabasco." (p132)

Sugar is a kind of "every lesbian" and the issues she and her friends deal with are those that most
of
us face in our day-to-day lives. Kallmaker's Sugar does not follow the "story book romance"
formula; however, she plays with its themes. Even the cover art, which is reminiscent of a 1950s
"happy home maker" image, tweaks at this "ideal."

Kallmaker's writing is charming entertainment. Her wry wit and gentle humor prompt smiles and
quiet chuckles, as when Sugar dresses for her first date in months to discover "Good God in
heaven,
how long had that enormous black hair been growing out of her chin?" (p63) Or when Sugar
mentions that she'd heard Charlie and Tree had dated for a time, and is told "We did not. We met
at
agreed upon places and argued." (p182)

In many ways, Sugar is a return to some of Kallmaker's earlier romances, like Painted Moon or
Making up for Lost Time. However, if it is a return, it is not without the maturity that her writing
continues to develop. Peopled with real women who are grounded in the realities of life and
willing
to accept the risk of love, Kallmaker's "romance" provides readers with simple, touching
moments.
As Sugar reflects, "The world seemed peacefully asleep. It was just her and the moon and the
scent
of Emily on her fingertips." (p111) Sugar is a lovely dessert of a book made with real eggs, butter,
and no doubt, chocolate. Light and fun it is, yet it's not an artificial confection. Readers of the
lesbian romance genre will want to lick the spoon.

M. J. Lowe
Reviewer

Magdalena's Bookshelf

It was impossible not to be moved by the "Boxing Day" Indian Ocean tsunami. Personal stories of
parents whose children were torn away from their arms, and children whose parents were torn
away
from their sides will stay with those of us lucky enough to watch the tragedy on the news rather
than
experience it first hand. Some of the world's most famous, and respected writers have donated
original, and hitherto unpublished work specifically for this collection, and features a range of
genres
from literary fiction, to mystery, to poetry, full length short stories and novel first chapters (in
both
senses of the word novel. For those who bewail the overt commercialism of the publishing
industry,
this book is a good antidote, as almost every aspect of the book, from the writing to the editing,
designing, printing, wholesaling, distribution, publicity, and even retailing fees have been donated,
and so far have produced about a half million pounds in donations. So this is a courageous and
inspiring effort, but it isn't the fact that this is in aid of an excellent charity, or that it is the kind of
coordinated and self-less response that should be supported which will get reader's shelling out
their
own money for a copy. Readers will buy this book because it contains some excellent work.

Some of the authors wrote stories specifically for the book. Margaret Atwood's three very short
stories, "Tree Baby," "Something Has Happened," and "But It Could Still," are all affirmative
ones
which are written about the impact of the Tsunami, specifically for this collection. All of the
stories
read like prosaic poems, and go deeply under the skin of those affected, both indirectly, like most
of
the readers, and directly:

You remember this. No, you dreamed it. Your dream was of choking, and sinking down, and
blankness. You woke from your nightmare and it had already happened. Everything was gone.
Everything, and everyone - fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, the cousins, the tables and chairs
and
toys and beds - all swept away. Nothing is left of them. Nothing remains but the erased beach and
the silence. "Tree Baby" (1)

Maeve Binchy's "Georgia Hall" is also a short story. Engaging and quickly read, Binchy treats us
to
an unchallenging but enjoyable tale of female insecurity. From there, most of the pieces in this
book
are the first chapters of "as yet unpublished" new novels. For writers, this is a fascinating glimpse
at
the creation process, and it will be interesting to compare the work here with the final work. In
most
instances, the first chapters presented are so compelling, that it would be a hard reader indeed
who
wasn't tempted to go out and buy that novel once it is released. First chapters by Tracy Chevalier,
Paulo Coehlo, J M Coetzee, Nick Hornby, and Ian McEwan are standouts, and although none of
these are self-contained like short stories are, and it can be frustrating to be so thoroughly taken in
and then left hanging. It's a delicious frustration though, and one which will probably work well
for
the author when the novels are out.

Paulo Coehlo's "The Zahir" is particularly compelling, and sets up an almost Kafka like scene of a
writer whose wife has disappeared, left to contemplate the meaning of freedom versus
enslavement:

While I was fighting, I heard other people speaking in the name of freedom, and the more they
defended this unique right, the more enslaved they seemed to their parents' wishes, to the person
for the rest of their lives', to the bathroom scales, to their diet, to half-finished projects, to lovers
to
whom they were incapable of saying "No' or "It's over', to weekends when they were obliged to
have lunch with people they didn't even like. (71)

Many of the authors chose to write about accidents; a moment of change and the impact it has on
relationships, and the notion of the "self." Coetzee's "Slow Man" goes into the mind of a man
whose leg is crushed and his resultant convalescence. The language is Coetzee's usual clear logic,
but coupled with the pain and chaos of the accident provides a powerful look at change:

The nights are endless. He is too hot, he is too cold; the leg closed in its swaddling, itches and
cannot be reached. If he holds his breath he can hear the ghostly creeping of his assaulted flesh as
it
tries to knit itself together again. Outside the sealed window a cricket chants to itself. When sleep
comes it is sudden and brief, as if gusts of leftover anaesthetic were coming up from his lungs to
overwhelm him.(84)

Similarly, Nicholas Evans' "The Divide" tracks the progression of a father and son's ski accident,
from anticipation to the aftermath, using a combination of fast action and slow description to
distort
time as the accident changes everything for the pair:

The walls of the hole in which they sat were layered with shelves of buish white ice, which their
two
falls had shattered. It was like being in the cross section of some giant frosted wasp nest. The
floor
felt firm and when the boy brushed away the snow he saw that they were on solid ice. (104)

A few of the pieces will appeal to genre readers, such as Harlan Coben's thriller "The Innocent"
which is compelling enough, but clearly genre driven or Joanna Trollop's "Second Honeymoon,"
which traces in a fairly predicable way, the impact of "empty nest" syndrome on a mother.
Stephen
King, on the other hand, makes a departure from his usual horror with a character driven piece
that
takes a wife's point of view as her famous writer husband is shot in "Lisey's Story." There are so
many possible directions for this work that the reader is left guessing at the turns it might take and
which element may take priority as the story progresses past the paces.

Not everything here will appeal to everyone. Vikram Seth's poem, "Earth and Sky" is more cute
than profound, with its rhyming couplets and puns, but will appeal to those who prefer poetry
with
traditional forms. But most of the work is easy to read, and full of possibility which will tantalise
and
entice readers. All up, this is a varied and fascinating collection, with something for everyone. The
clear bent is literary fiction however, and that makes this, in the main, a moving collection full of
provocative and evocative work from some of the most well known and respected writers
working
today. This is a wonderful marketing idea, and one which makes much more sense than those little
booklets that publishers are leaving in bookshops. After reading these tantelising beginnings,
readers
will no doubt be convinced to buy the novels that these chapters prefigure. That the money is
going
to a very serious and worthwhile charity is cream on the cake. Buy it for the work, and feel good
in
knowing that your money is going to those who are very much in need. May this project auger
many
more of its kind, providing a win-win for authors, publishers, and readers alike. An ongoing
record
of the money raised and the charities which received it can be found at
www.bloomsbury.com/tsunami

It is a testimony to Andrea Mayes' writing ability that her first novel, The Rose Notes, is more
ambitious than it seems. The story itself is moving, and lightly written enough to appeal to fans of
all
types of fiction, from light romantic comedy to hearty historical fiction, but it conveys a truth
deeper
than the simple story of lost and found. Set in the southern Riverina district of Australia, the story
follows the parallel lives of two main characters, Thomas Hearne and Pearl Kinnear. Both
characters
are in their early fifties, and at critical points in their lives. Thomas has fallen into a serious
depression after the death of his father Henry, and Pearl is struggling with ennui and frustration as
she attempts to put her life on hold while she takes care of her demanding aging father Dobie.
Both
mourn the early passing of their mothers from Cancer, and both struggle with their self-image in
the
face of their own aging, loveless future, and against the mirrors of their fathers and missing
mothers.
When Thomas is handed a mysterious tape from his father, he begins a quest to pass on the gift of
a
unique rose. As he searches for a mysterious woman, Thomas' quest takes him on a journey
beyond
the limits of the terrain he crosses. Similarly, Pearl also finds herself transforming, redefining
herself,
partly through the impact of Thomas' gift, and partly through her own menopausal transition.

Mayes' work is full of rich detail, and a clear love of the physical world of its locale, from the flora
and fauna, to the inner workings of farm life. The story line moves forward in a simple
progression,
and is easy to follow, driven by the simple uncovering of clues and helped by its sardonic narrator
who continues to remind readers that their pre-conceptions may not be correct: "Is it a rose? Or a
time bomb? Tick. Tick. Tick." (242)

The narrator interjects at various points throughout the novel, laughing at the reader, at the
characters, giving shade and perspective, and a sense of postmodern irony. In the hands of a lesser
writer, this might have produced a cold novel, stopping the reader from engaging. Mayes handles
the
humour deftly however, and allows the narrator a role which works smoothly within the narration
of
the story, allowing for dreams, inner thoughts, and sensual imagery:

They sit, side by side on a low stone wall, pale smoke from Robert's cigarette eddying in the still
air.
Currawongs and a single butcher bird call from the trees behind them. Thomas is sharply aware of
the ripples of dislocated time, the liquid notes of the birds, the odour of tobacco cutting through
the
fragrance of the roses, the feel of rough-hewn stone behind his jeans, the lumps of brown clay
sticking to his boots. This moment will stay with him, caught on the keen point of a quickening
excitement. (116).

The real action of The Rose Notes occurs within the characters minds, fuelled by recollection,
desire, and the unfolding of potential in reaction to serendipity:

Pearl turns ideas, images, conversations, slowly in her mind, turns and turns and turns.
Mamerbrook
Farm, Alice's Rose BookMannie's slow and gentle smile, Henry's Pearl and Thomas Hearne, and
all
her beloved roses. Pity anyone who doesn't have what Pearl Kinnear has, she thinks, and knows it
to
be true. Breathing in deeply, she throws her arms wide in all that space, spreading her fingers,
reaching and spinning and dancing into her own future, her own time, at last. (383)

Although the story is fast moving and satisfying, with all of the ends cleanly tied up, it isn't the
plot
which will stay with the reader once the book is finished. Instead, it is the marvellous passages
within the characterisation of Dobie, Thomas, and Pearl. The Rose Notes is a novel rich in poetry
and a deep understanding of the intimate connection between the human and natural world, and
the
subtle ways in which inheritance and beauty can create change. The two stories within The Rose
Notes bisect perfectly, coming together slowly, "in their own way, in their own time," (345)
without
recourse to romance, or any other devices of plot. The storyline is so clear and easy to follow that
the prologue and epilogue really aren't necessary, and perhaps remove that tiny hint of doubt
which
makes the story work so well. Nonetheless, The Rose Notes is a beautifully crafted novel, worth
reading once for its fast paced, relaxing story, and again for its narrative skill and the beauty of its
language.

Makasha's Bookshelf

Sylvia Hubbard's Stone's Revenge makes getting back at an arch enemy more than an empty
confectionary treat but a filling four course meal plus desert and an after dinner drink!

William Yared Castro-Chavez Stone is an orphaned outcast due to his grandfather and father's
sick,
sadistic serial killing rampages. To make matters worse, Enid, his uncle's stepdaughter, accuses
him
of rape and William is thrown out of the only home he has. While roaming the streets after school,
he saw the most beautifully, captivating girl, Abigail McPherson, who is being tormented by her
older brother and sister. Fortunately for her, the object they teased her with rolled across the
street
and ended up in his hands. Before he returned the ball he made Abigail make him a promise to
never
forget him. She complies. Several days later, fate dealt him another crappy hand: right before his
eyes an injured motorist plows down Abigail and both of her siblings. Knowing Abigail's father,
Ramsey, has a personal vendetta against his entire family, William leaves Abigail stuck under the
car
and fleas the scene and the city knowing with Abigail gone he has no reason to stay.

Several years later, Stone returns to Davenport for his mother's funeral and copycat murders,
similar
to the ones his father committed, begin almost as quickly as he arrives. Ramsey McPherson,
certain
that Stone has inherited "bad genes", sets out to prove that he is the one committing the crimes.
While arguing with Ramsey, he learns that Abigail is alive and almost well, the accident caused
paralysis and memory loss. With that information, he decides that the best way to get back at
Ramsey is through the one thing he holds dear, his beloved daughter.

Sylvia's book is dramatically entertaining while touching on the powerful conflict of love and
family.
Who did it? is obvious around the middle of the novel but the mystery falls back seat to this
passion
filled love story. William Yared Castro-Chavez Stone is the most memorable character I have ever
read. He's been in my dreams a few times DON'T TELL MY HUSBAND!

John Wooden authors an eyebrow raising novel, that should scare the hoods off former KKK
members, their families, and anyone else who lynched a black man during a time when America
was
muddling through the wrongs of its own Holocaust.

Kenny "KC" Carson, former NFL star turned FBI agent, is called back to work while morning the
death of his baby sister, Alyse, to investigate the gruesome murder of US Senator and Presidential
hopeful, Robert A. Cowen. To make matters worse, the senator's murder is the tenth in a serial
killer's plan to bring justice to the fifteen people who tortured, taunted, and lynched Marcus
Murray,
an FBI operative just passing through, in Alabama over thirty years ago. He races to save the lives
of the remaining members of they lynch mob; the same men who would have hung him from a
tree,
naked and beaten, back in the day.

Full of irony, this book is more than a suspenseful, murder mystery. It's an account of the mean,
cruel things done in the "dirty south", a phrase that has been adopted by today's youth just as the
"n" word, and how the American government has not taken a stand for its own debased race the
Negro. It also schools the reader on the message behind "Strange Fruit", a poem written by a
Jewish
schoolteacher after seeing a photograph of a lynching and later put to music by Billie Holiday in a
haunting, condemning tune.

John's book is passionate, provoking, and groundbreaking. The plot is well thought out with
characters that are loveable, hate able, and down right irritating at times. Trying to figure out the
case is pointless due to the large cast of characters, which can be confusing at times, and almost
everyone shows small signs of motive. You won't know who did it until the last few pages of the
novel.

This is a good, informative, and entertaining read.

Makasha Dorsey
Reviewer

Mayra's Bookshelf

At the Magistrate's House, a young red-headed woman named Patience Gladstone is in trial for
witchcraft. Among the present is a mysterious tall blond stranger whose gaze seems keenly fixed
on
an amulet which rests on the table of evidence - an exceptional-looking crystal that holds the
"blemish" of a perfectly five-pointed star within it the same star which, to the people's horror,
marks the skin of Patience Gladstone behind her ear.

The atmosphere of tension rises at the trial when another figure appears, at least seven feet tall
and
as broad as two men standing abreast, his face as hideous as that of a demon from hell. As the
demon lunges himself against the tall blond stranger, panic spreads among the crowd, the sheriff
raises his flintlock, and a thunderous explosion is heard.

Immediately after this scene the reader is transported to the old town cemetery, year 1992.

Crystal Donovan, a young journalist for the Salem Gazette, is at a turning point in her life. At her
grandmother's burial, she is given a strange crystal amulet which she is told she must guard with
her
life. She is also urged to remember and recite an old poem her grandmother taught year years
ago.

Crystal's mind is plagued with haunting, troubling questions. What does the poem mean? Why is
the
star on the amulet so similar to her own birthmark? Does her full name - Crystal Patience
Gladstone
Donovan, have something to do with it? What, in fact, is her mission, and why does it seem so
imminent?

As Crystal searches for these answers, an exciting series of events follow - a horrible murder,
running from demons, being transported back in time and then forward into the future. A different
array of interesting characters - including Crystal's dog, an adorable Doberman who maintains his
important role throughout the book - non-stop action and plot twists will keep readers turning
those
pages late into the night.

Witch hunters, demons, malfunctioning time machines, evil scientists and bloodthirsty creatures
from
the future In the midst of so much adversity, will Crystal fulfil her destiny?

The Demon Plague combines horror, time travel and science fiction to create a thrilling ride that
will
leave demanding readers satisfied and even breathless. The author has interwoven the past,
present
and future beautifully. The characters are engaging and believable and the dialogue sparkles with
genuineness. Scenes are kept short and the writing focuses on narrative and dialogue, keeping
descriptions to a minimum to ad to the fast-pace, thrilling effect. Yet the author manages to create
a
fully imaginable world, one which is vividly visualised. For those who have always found the
Salem's witch trials fascinating, this book certainly ads a new original twist to the story. An
exciting,
entertaining, well-worth read.

Brenda Novak's gift lies in grabbing the reader mercilessly by the throat and not letting go until
the
very end. Her latest romantic suspense, Every Waking Moment, is one of those special books
which
will make readers so deeply involved with the story and characters they will laugh, scream and
even
shed a few tears.

On the surface, Vanessa Beacon leads the kind of life most women would be envious of - she lives
in
a luxurious mansion, drives a Jaguar, and wears ten-thousand dollar studs on her earlobes. Many
would say she has the perfect boyfriend - the arrogant, handsome and successful Manuel
Rodriguez,
with whom she has been living together for five years and who happens to be father of her young
son, Dominick.

But Vanessa's life has a much darker side. The lovely mansion she lives in is, in fact, her prison,
and
her handsome boyfriend, her captor. Suspicious of her every move, Manuel obsessively controls
everything she thinks and does, and even goes to the extreme of having her constantly followed
wherever she goes and denying her any kind of economic independence. Deep inside, she knows
Manuel is a dangerous man, and his "business" dealings more than dubious. To ad to her
predicament, her son Dominick suffers from diabetes and she must care for him constantly,
administering insulin and checking his blood levels several times through the day and night.

With the housekeeper's help, Vanessa and Dominick are able to escape but for how long?

Haunted for the past two years by a tragic event in his life, Preston Holman is obsessed with a
deadly mission, one he will fulfil or die trying. When his destiny clashes with Vanessa's, the last
thing he wants is getting involved with her - especially with her son, whose sight constantly brings
a
torrent of heart-wrenching memories. Besides, their presence will complicate his plan. But how
can
he not help her, when she seems so terrified?

Preston tells her he will bring her as far as Iowa, no more. But as they move from state to state in
his
van, and stay in motels at night, the emotional and physical attraction between the two become
irresistible. To complicate matters, Preston begins to feel attached to Dominick, and vice
versa.

With Manuel and his men close behind on a death wish, will Vanessa and Dominick ever be able
to
find freedom and happiness? What about Preston's mysterious mission in Iowa - will he bring it to
fruition and still survive?

Fast-paced scenes filled with sparkling dialogue, romantic tension, and a series of

pulse-racing plot twists bring the story to a heart-stopping climax and a conclusion that will form
a
knot in most readers' throats. The hero and heroine, as well as the little boy Dominick, really stand
out, casting their magic to maintain a continuous suspension of disbelief. An exciting, compelling,
entertaining read, Every Waking Moment comes highly recommended from this reviewer.

Have you ever felt the desire to publish your own children's book? Have you ever considered
starting your own children's book publishing company? If you've answered Yes to these two
questions, but have always been daunted or afraid by the prospect, then this book is for you.

Anne Emerick, founder of her own children's book publishing company, Aboon Books, takes the
myth out of the process. In her practical, informative step-by-step method, she takes you through
the whole self-publishing process from start to finish, and makes it utterly interesting along the
way.

Emerick breaks the self-publishing process in four stages: planning, getting the story illustrated,
getting the book printed, getting the book into the hands of readers and a return on your
investment.

Within these main topics, you'll find the following subjects: what first to do to become a publisher,
filing a DBS or an LLC, getting ISBN and library card catalogue numbers, expenses, illustrating
and
book designing, the different printers and what to keep in mind when choosing one, how to price
your book and keep that price competitive, professional associations and fees, promotion and
marketing, how to plan your budget, how to find a distributor, selling to libraries and bookstores
and
much, much more.

The author uses illustrations to better demonstrate what she's talking about. There's also a section
of success stories where other people share their experiences and ideas.

The fact that the book is in electronic format is convenient and time-saving, since it is filled with
lots
of helpful links you can readily check at the click of a mouse.

This book really clarifies in simple language what it takes to open your own children's book
publishing company. Highly recommended.

Mayra Calvani
Reviewer

Molly's Bookshelf

The narrative encompasses 32 pages filled with prose and black and white 'pen and ink' type
drawings. Boone, Daniel Boone is a big, friendly Search and Rescue dog. Boone helps find people
who are lost or hiding. Boone learned to be a Search and Rescue dog by playing Hide and Seek
with
his friends Teri and Jim. He learned to play his game in many places: factories and train stations,
country path and city streets. He even learned to play his game in all kinds of weather. Teri and
Jim
bring Boone to visit classrooms. The children love Boone and he loves them too. Boone needs to
sniff something belonging to the lost person when he begins a hunt. Boone's special word is Find,
when Boone hears Find he knows he must play his Hide and Seek game. Boone finds a girl who is
lost and he finds an old man. Boone can even find a man who runs away with a lady's purse.
Hound
dog Boone is One Incredible Dog.

One Incredible Dog! Boone, second in the One Incredible Dog series, is an admirable work
created
by writer Williams and illustrator Friedman to encourage children's awareness for how a Search
and
Rescue dog may spend a typical day. Crafted in an easy reading, child friendly style filled with
well-written prose and child appealing illustrations One Incredible Dog! Boone is a publication
sure
to please the target audience of young listeners/readers.

Boone is a real hound, an actual Search and Rescue dog, who has earned many awards for his
search
and rescue work. Boone lives in Pennsylvania where he works as a Search and Rescue dog.

One Incredible Dog! Boone is certain to prove an asset in the classroom for unit work as well as
'free time reading'. Vocabulary used is beyond reading capability of most younger readers,
however
it is within the scope of many middle grade readers who will enjoy reading the book to younger
students. The sturdy well crafted edition is a must have for the public school library, the home
school classroom and on the home library pleasure reading shelf where it will stand up to repeated
use.

The book is a 44 page illustrated publication written especially for kids. Bully Brigade presents
tools
for young people to use to help them recognize bullying behavior, reasons for why bullies may be
acting as they do and how to stop them. Writer Schuler offers specific explication regarding what
it
is that bullies do; they push, take, grab and engage in other unacceptable behaviors towards their
peers. Then Schuler takes it a step further to ask, why does the reader think a bully does this or
that,
and do you know a bully, and does the bully begin fights with kids who are larger than he. Kids
are
offered a chance to do some thinking about what a bully is and why the bully may be behaving as
he
does. Kids are encouraged to pay attention to behavior and not be swayed by appearance.
Included
in the book are pages where children can answer questions and write their answers regarding what
they have learned about bullies and why they intimidate. A Banish Bully Badge, which the child
can
cut out and wear, rounds out the work.

Educator/Author Schuler has created a thoughtful well-written work regarding a serious problem
facing many children today. Bullying on the playground and elsewhere is a situation children,
teachers and parents must understand, confront and deal with if we are to see bullying brought to
a
stop. Bully Brigade is written in understandable terms and is illustrated by pencil drawings certain
to
appeal to the target audience of primary and middle grade readers. The book is a 'read-to' for
younger students and a 'read alone' for older kids.

Writer Schuler and Illustrator Scott call upon their years of experience within the public school
system for material presented in Bully Brigade. Vocabulary used is easily understood by children.
Illustrations are to the point and child friendly. The book will fit well in a classroom unit setting
dealing with relationships in general and bullying in particular. The book is a good choice for
pleasure reading as well as unit work, and will be one a mentor student can use with ease when
working with younger students.

Bully Brigade is a must have for the school, home school and home library. Discounts are offered
for school quantity purchases. A teacher's guide accompanies the work.

Career Magic A Woman's Guide to Reward & Recognition: 224 pages, Introduction, 9 chapters
as
well as information about Brody Communication and an order form. Chapter titles indicate
material
to be found on the pages of the work. Chapter 1: If It's Meant to Be, It's Up to Me, advocates
taking a good look at what you really want to achieve. Brody says be preemptive in your thinking,
don't wait to be noticed, don't enter or stay in a career that keeps you from what you really want
in
life. Chapter 2: M Your Magic Starts with Your Manner, appearance and body language are
important. Little things are the ones that tend to stop careers. Express yourself, but keep in mind
your role, the environment and the work you do. Chapter 3: A Advocates: Add Their Influence to
your Marketing Plan, who knows you and knows your capabilities is what matters most.
Cultivating
advocates to plead your cause will hold you in good stead during your career. Chapter 4: G Never
stop Growing, growth brings you closer to your goals, when you stop growing you begin rotting.
Change is not a threat, complacency is. Chapter 5: I Increase Your Involvement, Involvement will
bring results when you take an active role beyond your job responsibility you grow personally and
professionally. Chapter 6: C Create Commentary, commentary creates visibility. Commentary is
tangible evidence that you possess leadership abilities. Chapter 7: Go Work Your Magic, Focus
on
what matters. Create choices, create maximum visibility. Chapter 8: What Others Doing, is three
pages detailing in a sentence or two each how women are furthering their careers. Chapter 9:
Women Who've Blazed The Way details 35 successful women; their education, family, and
careers.

Writer Brody is a well known speaker, consultant and job coach. Career Magic A Woman's Guide
to
Reward & Recognition with its collection of tips, tricks and techniques for furthering one's career
is
the result of Brody's many years experience and expertise in the field. While the title indicates the
book is written particularly for women the narrative will prove as valuable for men who also hope
to
enjoy long and successful careers based upon good manners, growth along the way, getting
involved
in leadership roles within your chosen organization, drawing upon advocates who will hire,
recommend and network you to others and guiding you toward becoming an expert in your field.
Career Magic A woman's Guide to Reward & Recognition is not only for the new college grad
just
entering the work force, but will prove as valuable to the old work horse who has been at it for a
while, and may have forgotten or set aside some of the basics for success.

The book is easily read, presented in straight forward language and filled with charts, areas for
note
taking, and individual success stories. A must have for the business person's library. The work is
meant to be read often, mulled over and used on a daily basis by those who wish to take control
of
their own future.

Inspiring reflections addressing friendship, success and failure, daring to try new things and
expectations are presented in one page segments within the covers of Daily Positives: Inspiring
Greatness In The Next Generation. Quotations from well known and lesser recognized historical
figures include those coming from First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Manufacturer Henry Ford,
Philosopher Aristotle, President Thomas Jefferson and football pioneer George Halas. I
particularly
enjoyed reading the thoughts of musician Duke Ellington who once said, "A Problem Is A
Chance."
Ellington who lived from 1899 to 1974 did not care much for piano lessons when a boy, however,
he did become interested in the piano when he was a teen, gave it his best and became known the
world over as a musician second to none. I also enjoyed reading Vidal Sassoon's quote, "The only
place where success comes before hard work is in the dictionary." In addition to the 145 daily
quotes are six additional inspirational readers directed toward specific days: Labor Day,
September
11, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Winter Break, President's Day and Memorial Day.

Daily Positives: Inspiring Greatness In The Next Generation is a compilation of thought
provoking
quotations meant to aid parents, educators and other youth leaders as they endeavor to motivate
young people toward success. Educator Fiszer has gathered introspections written or spoken by a
wide array of authors including Elbert Hubbard, Francis Bacon, Napoleon Hill and Orison Swett
Marden as well as sports figures including Tiger Woods, Andrew Hill, and Babe Ruth. In
addition,
Ancients Plato and Seneca share space with political figures, and artists.

One of my favorite Authors, Mark Twain, is quoted in the book as saying, "the really great make
you feel that you, too, can become great." Those are strong, positive words for youngsters to
consider.

Fiszer has brought together a extensive melange of sentiments, inspirations, thoughts and ideas all
put forth by the widest variety of people. The quotations presented are written in vocabulary well
within the range of understanding of middle grade students, and reading ability of most upper
middle
grades and beyond.

While Writer Fiszer's major intent for the work he has prepared is to provide a method for
'parents,
counselors, teachers, administrators and mentors to inspire positive actions each day through
guidance and meaningful discussions with their students; Daily Positives: Inspiring Greatness In
The
Next Generation is a book well suited to being read and used often for both pleasure reading and
inspiration. A must have book for the personal reading shelf, classroom, home school curriculum
and book shelf of those who endeavor to inspire youth Daily Positives: Inspiring Greatness In The
Next Generation is a book I will be keeping, and I do not keep all books sent for review.

Dance With Your Heart Tales and Poems That the Heart Tells A publication of poetry and prose
wherein the table of contents offers a mix of titles such as 'Free the Magic,' 'One Petal Falls,' and
'The Greedy Cat' for reader endorsement and satisfaction. 'Mary Miller, the Elusive Lady,' is a
whimsical, quixotic tale told on three pages. 'Be On Our Way' is a delicate verse composition of
love. 'The Colors of the Rainbow' offer the reader an awareness for the colors of the rainbow
together with the author's grasp of God's intention.

An assortment of succinct tales and verse Dance With Your Heart Tales and Poems That the
Heart
Tells has been assembled carefully by writer/poet Shirley Cheng. Cheng is a young woman who
has
faced well-nigh overwhelming personal misfortune from early childhood and has managed to
grow
stronger despite facing adversity that often causes those with less faith or determination to falter
and
give up.

Poetry interspersed with the short prose narratives includes: 'Wonders of Nature,' 'Memories,' and
'One Petal Falls,' as well as one I particularly enjoyed 'Life of Autumn and Winter,' with its
description of fall leaves and winter snows. 'Love in the Air,' is a light, ethereal offering. 'The
Sounds
I Hear,' is an especially touching read, "I hear all this in my heart, which hears: My heart speaks
and
I listen, for I am deaf."

Fiction anecdotes are fanciful, quick reads filled with delicate prose, settings portrayed in vivid
detail
and entertaining characters. 'Firey Passion' is a love story with a twist, 'Trapped in Panic,' is a
poignant read with a clear lesson to be learned, while 'The Gift of Uniqueness,' offers optimism in
a
narrative about creatures not often thought of except in a fleeting manner.

Dance With Your Heart is an agreeable mixture of verse composition and prose each meant to
awaken the spirit, give rise to laughter and bliss and enlighten the reader a bit about life. While
most
of the anecdotes appear simple on the surface each also offers a message cleverly woven into the
tale. Each of the works; reverie, illumination and exultation offered are a pleasure to read. Writer
Cheng is an intriguing woman who has a grasp for what is important and sets about to get it all
down on paper for everyone to enjoy.

Excellent choice for the home pleasure library, the home school curriculum as well as the public
school classroom.

Gilleland Poetry: Storoems and Poems consists of 195 pages of poems and storoems. Storoems
are
explained by the poet: "I am a 60-year-old Southerner, now living in Louisiana, who is a retired
scientist with a passion for writing poetry. I write mostly 'storoems', which are hybrid
story-poems."

I read through the Table of Contents to locate especial pieces to read: of particular interest were
several works entitled 'Wandering Warrior' ( II, III and so forth) a storoem detailing the
adventures
of a wanderer who comes to a valley menaced by a fearsome foe. 'Wandering Thoughts Gleaned
Walking My Dogs,' 'Cats and Dogs,' 'In Memory of Coco, A Red Dachshund,' and 'On
Armadillos,'
all caught the eye of this animal enthusiast. 'An Idea To Die For' is a verse composition extolling
the
Freedom we cherish while 'America's Indians and Hitler' leave the reader with an unsettling
realization of the antithesis of that Freedom. 'Rick and Mick' and 'A Visit With Grandma' offer
two
succinct, poignant reads portraying the reality of life. 'Old Blue' is poem beginning 'When I was a
lad
of ten, my great granddad once told me a tale that left me out of breath.' The composition goes on
to
bring the reader to tears with 'a tale of love, of danger, with an end that's sad, about a boy, his
dog,
and a savage death' as we read of a boy and his dog and the dog's faithful, boundless love. Poet
Gilleland includes an ethereal Haiku entitled 'Spring Rains,' along with a touching, poignant work
detailing how love sometimes causes us to do what we would not. 'Alfred Must Die' will leave the
reader saddened. 'Granddad Did His Best' touches on the bond of familial love that transcends
time
and space. Beginning My Linda, my darling wife, my soul mate 'For Linda' is a loving tribute to
a wife offered by her husband of many years. Poet Gilleland ends his loving tribute with these
words
You make my life worth the living, cause my heart to soar. Sweet Linda, I'll love you today,
tomorrow forevermore.'

Within the covers of Gilleland Poetry: Storoems and Poems lyrist Gilleland offers the reader a
wide
variety of style, subject and feelings to fit any reader want or need. I enjoyed the wide variety of
themes from the heartfelt to thoughtful, tribute to merry. There is truly something for everyone,
and
something for every occasion included in the work. Gilleland Poetry: Storoems and Poems is one
man's life's journey presented in thought and notion through his insights, notions, understandings
and
words.

Poems are not grouped by subjects, rather the table of contents is used to stimulate readers
toward
searching for engaging titles and subject matter. That poet Gilleland loves and understands words,
their flow and meaning is obvious. His works are filled with meaning, feeling and charm without
sounding stilted or 'poetsy.' Gilleland Poetry: Storoems and Poems is an excellent addition to the
home reader pleasure library, the school library as required reading for students and for the home
school curriculum to be used for introducing young people to interesting, worthwhile poetry.

Gilleland Poetry: Storoems and Poems is a volume to be reached for often. It is as an excellent a
choice for a lazy afternoon spent sitting on the porch, swinging, reading while sipping lemonade
as it
is for a cold wintry evening spent before a cozy fire with a good hot cup of chocolate.

Enjoyed the read, happy to recommend.

Molly Martin, Reviewer
http://www.angelfire.com/ok4/mollymartin

Paul's Bookshelf

It was the year 1971. The author, a recent college graduate from Idaho, and her fiance (soon to be
her husband) decide to join the Peace Corps. They aren't qualified to do much except teach
English,
so they applied for somewhere in the South Pacific, and had to wait several months for an
opening.
After a weekend of more intense interviews in Chicago, they finally get their assignment. They
both
have to look on a map to find Afghanistan, a landlocked country in southwest Asia. This book
consists of weekly letters sent home about their experiences.

After an interminable plane flight, and many shots, they reach Kabul. It is a colorful, yet noisy,
sort
of place. They find a house (all of which are behind high adobe walls) through the local Peace
Corps
office. They are given the usual rules when traveling to the Third World. Don't drink the water (it
will be provided by the Embassy). Don't eat anything from the stalls in the local bazaar; in fact,
don't eat anything that can't be peeled or hasn't been thoroughly cooked. Despite this, they still
suffer from nearly weekly bouts of diarrhea. The plan for the Hanners is to undergo a three-month
crash course in Farsi (the local language) and get used to Kabul before starting their assignment.
The
author's assignment is to teach English to employees of the Education Ministry.

Creature comforts in Kabul are few and far between. Heat in the Hanner's house comes from a
couple of wood stoves. Light comes from a couple of bare light bulbs. Their mud roof leaks
constantly, and during the summer, it grows wheat. Refrigeration is unknown, so Dad Ali, their
cook/handyman/jack of all trades, makes daily food trips to the bazaar. The Kabul bazaar is a
place
where practically anything can be made or found, including a moneychanger who accepts
American
checks. Being a Peace Corps volunteer is not for everyone. Several people leave before their time
is
up.

These letters chronicle the good and bad of living in Afghanistan. On one side there is the
incredible
generosity of the Afghan people. They have little or nothing, and think nothing of sharing. On the
other side is dealing with daily life in Kabul. There are also those people who let the author know,
clearly and succinctly, if they feel she is not appropriately dressed in public.

This is a gem of a book and a very easy read. To get an idea of life in Afghanistan before the
Soviets
and before the Taliban, start right here. It's highly recommended.

This book takes a much-needed look inside the diamond business. The myth is that diamonds are
so
expensive at the local jewelry store because they are very rare. Nothing could be farther from the
truth.

South Africa is one of the world's major diamond producers. Conditions for the black miners
inside
the mines can best be described as barbaric. The miners are locked in the mine compound for
months
at a time, supposedly to protect against diamond theft. Among other things, protective gear is rare
or nonexistent, and their pay is microscopic. Apartheid is alive and well in the South Africa
diamond
mines. In places where diamonds have been found, like the Australian Outback, Botswana and
northern Canada, indigenous rights are trampled like they don't exist.

During World War II, America had a very hard time getting sufficient supplies of industrial
diamonds from DeBeers, the cartel that still controls much of the world's diamond trade. It got to
the point where the US threatened to stop all shipments of fighter planes to England unless the
British used their influence with DeBeers to ease the restrictions. The Germans, however, had
much
less trouble getting industrial diamonds from DeBeers.

DeBeers drives up the price of diamonds by simply keeping them off the market, or stockpiling
them. It's common to cut production at a certain mine, or close it completely, in order to keep
that
type of diamond off the market. Ownership of the various pieces of DeBeers is shuttled around
through a seemingly infinite number of shell corporations, most of which are little more than a
nameplate on a door of a building in the Cayman Islands or Switzerland. Among other reasons,
it's
done to reduce the company's tax bill, and the fee paid to the government where the mine is
located,
as much as possible. If a government wants to change the extremely unfair (for them) payment
system, DeBeers floods the market with diamonds from that country, depressing the price.

The book spends time looking at the role of diamonds in recent African wars, like the 1970s war
in
Angola, and the ongoing war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in which America was
deeply involved. Last but not least, did you know that there was a working diamond mine in the
American state of Arkansas?

This is a major eye-opener. It is a very detailed investigative piece, the likes of which are rarely
seen
these days. Diamonds are a girl's best friend? Not after reading this highly recommended
book.

Many people are looking for something "more" out of life, like a closer relationship with God.
The
problem is that they are reluctant to give up their belief in the scientific view of things. They feel
that
a deeper faith in God is supposed to equal acceptance of creationism and rejection of evolution.
This
book shows that there is a middle path, that faith in God and evolution can go together.

Take Creation according to Genesis, for instance. The earth was formed before the sun, moon and
stars. From a scientific standpoint, they should have been combined in Day 1 (you can't have the
earth without the rest of the universe). Otherwise, Chapter 1 of Genesis sounds a lot like
evolution,
as long as you consider that a "day" could equal millions of years.

In Genesis 1:26, God says, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness." Whose image? Who
is
He talking to? It suggests that there was a race of beings in Heaven, before man was created.
They
were the authors of Genesis. In Genesis 2, Adam and Eve were created, and were told to stay
away
from the fruit of the tree in the center of Eden. They didn't, and the rest is history.

In Genesis 3, Eve is tempted by a serpent to eat of the forbidden tree. The author's interpretation
is
that this was not some sort of talking snake, but had to do with the discovery of sex between
Adam
and Eve. The author also feels that the two are part of a designer race, who aren't supposed to
sexually reproduce. After the two have intercourse, and discover that they are naked, God decrees
that, from now on, woman shall experience pain in childbirth, and that man's days on earth shall be
numbered (implying that they weren't numbered before). After son Cain kills son Abel, Cain
moves
away, and starts his own family, eventually founding the city of Enoch. This means that there
were
other people on earth, created by evolution. The interbreeding of Divine Man and Evolutionary
Man
(for lack of better terms) is what causes God to create the Flood that, among other things, made
Noah famous.

This book is about more than just the Book of Genesis. It does a fine job at showing a middle
ground between evolution and creationism. Mercifully, it is light on the jargon, but it will still give
the reader a mental workout. For those looking for a closer relationship with God, this is very
much
worth reading.

Entrenched power is when people in authority, in business, government or religion, serve
themselves
instead of those they are supposed to represent.

In the beginning, God created the Universe and Natural Law. The author is not talking about any
particular conception of God, but means "God" as a more general term. People discovered many
of
these Laws (Known Law) through spiritual reflection and scientific experimentation. Among the
major Natural Laws are basic morality, individual freedom, change and the progress and
consequences that result from that change. As time went on, leadership and social organization
came
about. Religions developed to help explain man's place in the overall scheme of things.

The major religions were established using the same general concepts of morality, like right and
wrong, good and evil, etc. The author advocates the creation of a society based on these spiritual
concepts, which are common to everyone, instead of basing it on any particular God.

How can entrenched power happen in present-day religion? They are part of the social fabric that
organizes people into effective societies. On the local level, they teach moral and ethical values.
They support the development of good character in children. They provide understanding and
comfort in times of loss. As one goes up the hierarchy (a feature of most organized religions),
leaders are more interested in the organization and holding on to power than in serving the
faithful.
An example of entrenched power is the Catholic Church molestation scandals. It would have been
painful to deal with the problem years ago, but sweeping it under the rug, as the Catholic
hierarchy
did, has made the problem many times worse.

On the subject of entrenched power in politics, need we say more than "term limits?" A major
flaw
in the system as designed by the Founding Fathers was not setting a limit on terms in Congress.
The
author advocates a system where average citizens can actually run for Congress (currently
impossible), serve two terms, then make way for someone else. It would go a long way toward
helping America to lead the world toward the fulfillment of "God's" destiny for Man.

This is quite a book. It's a really interesting read for people of any political or religious viewpoint.
The reader may not agree with all of it, but it is still well worth reading.

This fantasy story is about the land of Keaen, whose central idea or concept is the survival of an
ancient Covenant between the ruler and the people. One manifestation of that Covenant is that the
ruler of Keaen can not marry or even have a lover. Heirs to the throne are created by the ruler
impregnating any woman in the kingdom that he wishes. If a male child is born, that child is taken
from the mother and spends his life in the castle. Armist is very uninterested in taking over as
ruler,
because he believes himself to be the product of such a union. His sister, Tahlia, is about to be
married off to one of the local barons, a prospect that she equally dreads.

In Keaen, opposition to the Covenant is growing. Would-be rebels start to organize, semi-openly.
One huge push is all that is needed to bring down the whole system. Armist and Tahlia aren't
thinking about that when they flee the castle, throwing everything into chaos. They just want to
get
as far away as possible. Along the way, Armist and Tahlia find that they have friends within the
castle.

Caitlan is the royal Weaponsmaster and Pandrak is the emissary of the magices of Skele (the head
wizard). They have their reasons for wanting the system changed, so, in their own ways, they
keep
the pursuit away from Armist and Tahlia. Naturally, their father, King Hain, is not taking this lying
down; their freedom doesn't last for long. Tahlia is forced into marriage with Baron Tegel, a fat,
disgusting man with an unnatural liking for young boys. Armist is captured by forces loyal to
Tergan, Keaen's neighbor and long-time enemy.

This one is very good. It's more of an adventure tale with narrow escapes, knife fights and
carnivorous beings who come out at night. It may take some work on the part of the reader, but
this
is recommended.

This historical fantasy is about an ancient land, and its young queen's fight for her crown, her
freedom and the man she loves.

Several years previously, Marwen of Kamilan was kidnapped and forced into a marriage with a
heartless lord from the neighboring kingdom of Dravia. With the help of Keri, a warrior/minstrel
who is part of a caravan passing through Dravia, Marwen escapes. After several weeks walking
through forbidding terrain, they arrive back in Kamilan.

Soon after the celebrating stops, the Kamilan Council brings up the subject of Marwen, who is
barely 20 years old, marrying and producing an heir to the throne. An unmarried, childless queen
is
not acceptable, so Marwen reluctantly marries Landis, one of Kamilan's nobles. It's purely a
political marriage, until Marwen produces an heir, when the two go their separate ways.

Meantime, Marwen resurrects the ancient, and long-suppressed, religion of the hill queens,
leaving
the Council aghast. It gets worse when Dravia sends a military probe into Kamilan. Shadrak is a
slaveborn commander of an outpost who has been given permission to train a company of men his
way. He has also won Marwen's heart. Shadrak defeats the Dravian attack, but according to the
Council, he didn't do it honorably. Shadrak used hit and run, guerrilla tactics which greatly limited
the casualties among his men. According to the Council, honorable combat means two armies
clashing in an open field, swords and lances flying.

Marwen and Shadrak have several late night liaisons, which brings the Council to near-mutiny.
The
possibility of a half-breed ruling Kamilan is almost too much to bear. But Marwen is not alone.
She
has Keri, and she has Medwina, priestess of the goddess Jana, and those of her people who keep
the
old religion.

The proverbial final straw comes when Dravia sends a full-fledged invasion force. There are many
casualties on the Kamilan side, but ultimately, with some sorcery help, Shadrak and Kamilan are
victorious. Marwen only wants the Dravia forces out of Kamilan, but the Council is shocked that
she
doesn't conquer Dravia. They only see the possibility of more riches and power for themselves,
they
don't see that Kamilan would have to go on a permanent war footing. Feeling that Shadrak has
somehow bewitched Marwen, a plan is hatched to get rid of Shadrak, permanently.

This is a first-rate piece of writing. It's more a story of gender roles, and the cost of changing
them,
than a sword and sorcery story. The author does a fine job with the characters, and this is very
much
worth reading.

This is part two of a six-part fantasy series about Andalarn Thran, Jarl (leader) of House Thran,
one
of several Houses on the island of Adylonis. For several centuries, no House has had the power to
become Ascendant (to become "Crown Prince" of Adylonis, under the Emperor on the mainland).
Therefore, the choice of Andalarn Thran, by the Council at Moorkai, to become Ascendant, is
guaranteed to upset a lot of people. Foremost among these is House Suum, a military House who
would like nothing more than to wipe House Thran off the map.

With Andalarn's promotion, he must move to Moorkai and hand over House Thran to Daepar, his
son. Daepar knew this day would come, but he still dreads the responsibility. House Suum is on
the
move, and Daepar is reluctant to send troops, against the advice of his advisors. His wife's father,
a
member of the Council at Moorkai, is assassinated, and she demands revenge. Daepar meets, and
is
smitten with, the daughter of another House, and they enter into a political marriage, while he is
still
married (legal, but unorthodox). Andalarn and his wife are very overdue at Moorkai; the first
thought is that they have been captured by House Suum. Daepar takes several men, and goes to
search for them, also against his advisor's wishes. Andalarn is found, and when he hears about
how
bad things have gotten at House Thran, he removes Daepar as Jarl, and appoints Lady Mara,
Daepar's wife, as regent until their young son comes of age. This is undone by the Emperor.
Finally,
Daepar realizes that, on several different levels, he has messed up, big time.

This is another strong, well done piece of writing. It has good characters, it's just weird enough to
be interesting and fantasy fans will love it.

Tom and Sparrow, his lover, are part of the punk music scene in present-day Gainesville, Florida.
Sparrow is part of a band that has a gig at Dave-O's, the local punk music club. Earlier that day,
they score some LSD, that was not meant for them, from Galactic Bill, the local drug source.

Meantime, near Atlanta, Georgia, a young woman named Hanna wakes up in a suburban house
next
to a fat, hairy guy. She has no memory of who she is or how she got there, except for flashbacks
of
having served in the Vietnam War, even though she is nowhere near old enough to have served.
Hanna gets in a car and heads south, not knowing where she is going. Along the way, she meets
The
General, an older man in uniform who certainly remembers Hanna.

When they reach Gainesville, Hanna realizes that The General is some sort of alien whose task is
to
absorb certain people, and thereby become part of Jovah. She realizes this after seeing The
General
swallow Galactic Bill whole, like a snake eating a rat. Back at the punk club, the LSD begins to
have
an effect, and suddenly, everyone at the club is flying, as long as the music keeps playing. When a
malfunctioning amp stops the music, gravity takes over, violently. While in the air, Tom, Sparrow
and their friends watch as a giant mechanical dragon lays waste to Gainesville, like a modern-day
Godzilla movie. They can't help but think that this is the ultimate drug trip, but this is reality
(that's
the magic word). They meet Hanna and The General, who must absorb Hanna to become
"whole."

This book does a fine job at messing with conceptions of reality. One can almost hear the punk
music in the background. This one is really strange and really good.

This fantasy story is about Queen Yasamin of Gwendomere, who agrees to marry King Amir of
Dragonval in order to save her kingdom. She is to become Second Wife to Amir, because
Medusimia, Queen and First Wife, has yet to produce an heir. Medusimia is irate at this
"competition," so she conspires with Vulmire, a man-beast who lives in a deep cave, to make sure
that Yasamin has an "accident."

A freak storm sinks the three-ship convoy taking Yasamin to Dragonval, killing everyone except
her,
Arash, a prince from another kingdom, and Goliagoth, the head of the military escort from
Dragonval. After several weeks without rescue (the sailing route was known, so they shouldn't
have
been that hard to find), the three start walking. During a battle with skeleton warriors, Yasamin
meets Mosesra, a man who totally changes her outlook on life. He tells her that a major battle
between good and evil is coming, and she is the focus. Many demons are waiting for her in
Dragonval, so she needs to watch her back at all times.

She makes it to the castle, and marries Amir. Medusimia is able to convince Amir that she was
unfaithful, many times, with Arash and Goliagoth, and Yasamin is thrown in prison. Amir may be
King of Dragonval, but he is not the person in charge. Many years earlier, Serpata, who is
Yasamin's grandfather, made a deal with the devil for power. Now, he is kept in chains in a
darkened dungeon cell, but Serpata still has plenty of power. The three escape the castle, but
Yasamin goes back, in an attempt to turn Amir away from the "dark side."

This one is very good. It has more of an Eastern than European feel, the characters are well done,
and the authors have left room for a sequel. This is well worth the reader's time.

For the past couple of hundred planetary cycles, a group of humans living on the planet Aleron
have
been building a peaceful, thriving society. But the elders have been hiding a big secret. They were
exiled from the planet Karna, their actual home, for using their Conrad (telepathy and telekinesis)
abilities.

Xavier, a hothead who wants to be the next Conrad leader, convinces a group of young people to
join him on a mission to Karna, to ask for permission to return, and if that doesn't work, to exact
some retribution.

Xavier rules by fear and intimidation. The basic rules are: do what Xavier says, or die. The people
of
Karna live in isolated clans, so killing them is easy. Meantime, back on Aleron, a group of older
Conrads, followers of the Light, decide to go after Xavier's group, to bring them back home.
They
help rebuild the villages of Karna that were destroyed. Along the way, after the first attack,
Xavier's
group stops on another planet to build more ships. Xavier finds a race of small, red, scaly animals
on
the planet. Through genetic manipulation and more mental powers, they are changed into a race
of
large, red, scaly warriors whose only purpose is to follow Xavier. He sends a plague back to
Aleron,
unknowingly carried by Thera, his soul mate, that kills all the other Conrads, except Bruner, the
leader. Those who are trying to stop Xavier see his "handiwork," up close and personal, and are
devastated. Killing another being, especially hundreds of the small, red creatures is totally against
Conrad teaching.

This book belongs in that large gray area of Pretty Good or Worth Reading. It is an interesting
story, perhaps a little on the "quiet" side and with room for a sequel. Overall, the reader will not
be
disappointed.

Govil is a man born in the wrong century. In the tradition of all great 19th Century heroes, he
needs
a great cause, so he creates for himself a living mate named Eve. But that's easy for Govil to
do.

Earth of the 31st Century is a very strange sort of place. There are no births or deaths; everyone is
immortal. Everyone is sterile, because things like sex and families have been outlawed; so have
war,
disease and famine. All of mankind's needs are taken care of by Genie Corp (the only corporation
on
Earth), makers of biological Creature Comforts. Among their creations are JohnDeer, a
multi-headed deer used as a lawn mower, an AlarmCock, the head of a rooster with little feet and
HeavenScent, a skunk that sprays air freshener. Therefore, it is nothing for Govil to create a
deliberately average human. The hard part is keeping it quiet.

Eve's education is left in the hands of an obsolete robot named Pentser, the narrator of this book.
Years later, after Eve is able to function on her own, she is told the truth about her origins. By
this
time, Govil has fallen for her. The not-very-diligent investigation finally learns the truth, and the
three are hauled into court. While Eve is sentenced to be recycled, it is revealed that Govil is not
the
only one with a secret "relationship."

This one is pretty good. It's a good future social speculation mixed with a 19th Century romance
and includes some very weird bits of genetic engineering. Get past the strange front cover, and
this
one is worth reading.

This story is about a woman who, having escaped from a dying Earth, lands on a planet governed
by
sentient forests in the solar system Imenkapur. At first, the forest, called Zollocco, doesn't want
her
there, but slowly changes its "mind" after realizing that the woman is at least trying to live in
harmony with the forest.

She is captured by, and made the property of, the Toelakhan, an interstellar corporation not in
agreement with the forests' stewardship of the planets. She escapes, and runs from planet to
planet,
meeting other civilizations living in tune with the forests. She is made a priestess of the forests,
but
the Toelakhan is always one step behind her, wanting their property back.

Included in the book are vignettes about life on an Earth that has become an environmental
disaster
area. Through some new version of Eminent Domain, houses are flattened and parking lots are
torn
up to create space to plant trees, because breathing masks are required at all times when one is
outside. The ozone layer, even over America, has become very thin. Faneuil Hall in Boston is now
on the waterfront, because of global warming. An expedition is made to the flooded, and

evacuated, Boston Financial District to gather up all the house plants in all those offices and keep
them alive to produce much needed oxygen.

This one is very good. It has a rather strong social message, but it also has an interesting story
that
will get the reader thinking. It is well worth the time.

Jamie McGivens and Tony Stone are among a group of humans who have been kidnapped and
taken
to the planet Elos, by a humanoid race called the Berloff. The men are to be slaves, and the
women
are to be used for breeding. Jamie becomes the property of Locom, the leader of the Berloff.

Keenu is the grown son of the leader of a race of native Elosians, who have suffered constant
Berloff slave raids. His quest is to find Dolan, his grandfather, who left their home village many
years before. Using Dolan's wisdom (and experience living on Earth), the plan is to get themselves
arrested by the Berloff (the easy part), and somehow free all the slaves from the "inside" (the hard
part), to stop the whole slave system, permanently.

The breakout happens, and the four flee into the jungle. While in Locom's possession, Jamie was
forced to let Locom have his way with her, and she is having a hard time dealing with it. Back on
Earth, she was the sole caregiver for her sick mother, and the last thing she remembers before her
abduction was finding her boyfriend in bed with another woman. So Jamie is not appreciative
when
told that Keenu had to establish a mental Link with her (sort of a permanent Vulcan Mind Meld),
that is not easily broken, when she is injured in the breakout.

Tony falls prey to one of the many deadly creatures of Elos, and Jamie almost joins him. She is
brought to Keenu's home village to recover. Dolan was thrown out of the village years before,
under very unpleasant circumstances, and little has changed. Damar, the Elosian ruler, and Dolan's
son (and Keenu's father) does not want Dolan there, and the fact that he has brought an alien with
him makes it that much worse. After she recovers, Dolan brings Jamie back to an Earth that holds
nothing for her. Her mother died a couple of days previously, the police want to know where she
has
been for the last month, and her ex-boyfriend really wants to get back together with her, to the
point
of being obnoxious. Jamie also discovers that she has some pretty strong feelings for Keenu.

This works best as a story about the human spirit and about bonds between very different people,
that happens to take place mostly on an alien planet. The reader could do a lot worse than to read
this novel; it is very much worth the time.

This story, part 2 of a trilogy, is about Miranda, a young woman whose interest in physics leads to
more theoretical subjects like hyperspace and alternate universes. A friend of her mother, Willa
Carson, agrees to take Miranda on a trip to Peru to visit sites like Macchu Picchu. Her parents
aren't exactly thrilled at the idea, but they agree. On the way to Peru, the plans change. The two
women join an expedition led by a woman named Margot, looking for a city called Tanum. It's
inside an Andean mountain and is the home of an ancient civilization called the Ugha Mongulala.
On
the plane to Peru, Miranda has a dream. Her friend, Opal Courtright, now part of a higher
consciousness being called Sappho (read part 1), tells Miranda that they will meet in Tanum.

After several days travel through impenetrable Andean jungle, the entrance to Tanum is found.
While exploring subterranean tunnels, an earthquake strikes and Miranda is badly injured. The
people of Ugha Mongulala come to the rescue, bring the three women to Tanum, and nurse
Miranda
back to health. There is enough light and fresh air in this underground city to support 2,000
people;
they have been on Earth for thousands of years, and went underground to escape "white
barbarians."
Meantime, the earthquake that injured Miranda wasn't just an earthquake. It was part of a
worldwide catastrophe that included, among other things, Earth's rotation stopping for three full
days.

Miranda attracts the attention of an ethereal, androgynous, even more ancient, race called the Els,
who take Miranda into another realm for a visit. She is given all sorts of ancient knowledge and
wisdom, which she, in turn, is to preach to the people of Earth. When the three women are
returned
to "reality," Miranda is compelled to go into the jungle alone, following her own path.

Those who are interested in New Age concepts, like higher states of consciousness and ancient
civilizations, will love this book. For everyone else, it's grounded enough in reality, and weird
enough, to be very much recommended.

The nationwide No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act is the latest attempt to reform American
education. It is supposed to do this through enforcing a system of standards and accountability
through standardized testing. According to the authors in this book, NCLB actually hurts, instead
of
helps, children, especially urban children.

The biggest problem is that NCLB has been underfunded, by anywhere up to $12 billion. The
states
have all sorts of new federal mandates, but not enough money to pay for them. Standardized tests
are valuable as a measure of a student's progress, but they should not be the only measure, which
is
the case with NCLB. Portions of the school curriculum that don't directly deal with testing, like
art,
phys ed and field trips, will be dropped, as schools become little more than test-prep
factories.

A school can be classified as Failing if even one subgroup in the school, like Asains or disabled
students, don't do well enough on the test. The school must then pay to bus its students who want
to
transfer to a non-failing school. If it is an inner-city school, their resources are already thin
enough.
There probably aren't any non-failing schools nearby, and besides, they have no incentive to
accept
students who might bring down their test scores. Urban schools, and urban communities in
general,
need a lot more help than to be told, "Raise your test scores, or else." Many schools have gotten
in
the habit of making students repeat a grade, raising the chance that they will eventually drop out,
only because they might negatively affect the test score for the upper grade.

The most well-known non-education provision in NCLB forces schools to give student contact
information to military recruiters, or face a cutoff of federal aid. Any policy that prevents
participation in prayer in public schools, as well as any policy that prohibits the Boy Scouts or any
other "patriotic society" access to school facilities. For these and many other reasons, the list of
states refusing to follow NCLB is growing.

This is an excellent book. It shows that the public pronouncements about NCLB are much
brighter
than the reality. It's short, easy to read and highly recommended.

Paul Lappen
Reviewer

Robyn's Bookshelf

"There were two kinds of thieves in the world: thieves like Jack, good people who succumbed to
temptation, and whose conscience forever punished them for it; and thieves like Finch, predators
who could murder and rob without a pang of regret. They were the haunted and the hunters. To
one
you gave your pity, to other your contempt, and to neither you envy."

Orphaned Nick is in trouble. He's hungry and no one seems to care. A band of ruthless thieves
need
a boy to climb into Jack's castle so the door can be opened for a raid. The leader of the pack Finch
knows exactly where to find such a desperate soul, one he can bend to his will. He discovers Nick
at
an abandoned farm site, homeless and weary. Nick indeed climbs the ivy to the castle but an
unintentional meeting takes place between him and old man Jack, the legendary survivor of Jack
and
the Beanstalk.

The story takes a twist when Jack throws a monkey wrench into the caper and offers Nick a
couple
of magic beans. But within Jack is a secret that needs answering and the reader will soon learn
why
the beans become important.

This book was a fun read but not for the faint of heart. The writing uses vivid imagery providing
deliciously gruesome people and creatures alike, one of my favorites being the baby head spiders.
I
did find several questions left unexplored but the adventure was exciting and worth the ride.

What kind of a 13 year old, only child evolves from an overly analytical household where every
thought and word is scrutinized? Where life can't just happen, it has to be micromanaged and
controlled? Where safety and precaution are practiced every minute of the day. That's the kind of
environment that's given life to Calman Pulowitz, a Jewish Pepto-Bismol guzzling teen full of
paranoia and inhibition.

The story begins when Calman makes plans to visit his pen-pal living on the other side of the
country. What he doesn't realize is the chaotic whirlwind he'll step into and the true nature of his
unpredictable pen pal friend, Rizzy. Calman is immediately thrown into angst when no one greets
him at the airport and he has to catch a ride to the house. His arrival puts him in the middle of a
dog
funeral and he discovers Rizzy isn't the person he pretended to be.

A zany array of personalities put Calman's personal issues front and center as he encounters what
an
unfiltered life has to offer. Strong, wickedly funny characters take the reader on a hilarious ride of
true friendship and remind us what adolescence must pass through to come of age.

In the shrouded valley, the people of Longlight evaded destruction. For seventy-five years they
quietly thrived, isolated from the world. Nurturing a small flame of hope, it took less than one
hour
for them to be annihilated. Book One The Dirt Eater.

In this second installment of the Longlight Legacy Trilogy, a year has passed since Roan, Alandra
and the children have escaped the Brothers, when a coma-like sleep overtakes the children. Roan,
possessing special powers, seeks to discover the whereabouts of the children's imprisoned souls.
When a mysterious boy comes to Roan in a vision, he and his friend Lumpy set out to meet an
unknown fate.

During this journey Roan discovers his lost sister Stowe in possession of great powers and a
favorite
of Darius, the archbishop behind the annihilation. Will reaching his sister bring her back from a
destructive life and permit him to fulfill his destiny?

The story seamlessly blends fantasy with science fiction creating a believable imaginary world.
The
reading is compelling, the plot intricate and well crafted; with a storyline continuing from book
one.
It is highly recommended The Dirt Eaters be read first. The story goes through numerous conflicts
and wends through several sub-plots but beware, the resolution won't take place till book three.
That will be something you won't want to miss.

Robyn Gioia, Reviewer
http://www.sugarduckybooks.com

Roger's Bookshelf

The How of Wow: A Guide to Giving a Speech That Will Positively Blow em Away
Tony Carlson
AMACOM
ISBN: 0814472516, $14.95, 277 pages

Light, valuable reading for corporate speechmakers

As an active professional speaker, I have far too many opportunities to witness well-meaning
corporate executives damage their reputations by delivering speeches that are lame and
embarrassing, using presentation styles that are as inappropriate as their talking about the topic to
begin with. As I shake my head in wonder, I contemplate whether any of these people ever read a
book on what speech-making is all about.

If they were to search for such a book, The How of Wow would certainly meet their needs. The
author has written speeches, delivered speeches, critiqued speeches, and enjoyed the journey of
coaching executives how to present their ideas - and their ideals - in public.

This book is not quite what you might expect it to be. It is not a rah-rah volume, nor it is a
step-by-step handbook for writing and delivering a speech. Rather, Carlson's book is a
lighthearted
look at one of the biggest fears harbored by men and women in today's business world.

In an unusual approach for a book on this topic, Carlson begins by asking why the reader should
even care about giving a blow em away speech. Then, part two challenges whether you should
even
accept the invitation. Not all opportunities are right, so be careful. In the third section of the
book,
Carlson digs into how to think about what you will say and why. Preparation gives you strength,
as in part four you settle into the writing phase. Craft the story, make the connection, Carlson
advises repeatedly. Then, to demonstrate, he does exactly that in these pages. You'll learn more
about hooks to connect with your audience than you ever thought existed.

The writing section explores ways to build simplicity - much more effective in speechmaking than
complexity. You'll learn about language, quotations, and words and phrases that detract from,
rather
than contribute to, the positive influence of the speech.

The last section of the book takes us into the actual presentation, with a follow-up emphasis on
going beyond merely the basic strength of the speech itself. The supplemental questions at the end
of
the chapters is exceeded only by appendices that take you deeper into the knowledge base of
speech-writing.

Well-directed toward executives; value for professional speakers, as well.

Here's another book on coaching. No, it's not. TurboCoach is more focused on the reader as an
individual than it is on the techniques of professionally coaching others. This volume is more of a
self-help book.

TurboCoach, a guide to better managing your own life, is organized into 21 short chapters
grouped
together into three sections. The first seven chapters are designed to help the reader gain clarity
about one's own life. The text seems most appropriate to the sole proprietor and independent
business owner than to an employee of a larger organization.

The second section of the book, another seven chapters, explores improving one's personal
productivity. The third section - yes, another seven chapters - deals with growing your business.
The
authors' Advanced Coaching and Mentoring Program is promoted after the body of the book - big
surprise. The index is helpfully comprehensive.

I felt the book was somewhat condescending. It appears to have been written by formula; may I
suggest "manufactured?" Each chapter begins with two questions, with check-off boxes, and a
synopsis of the chapter's focus. A few pages of text come next, followed by a seven-question
application exercise. Who ever decided that life should be packaged in sevens? Almost every
chapter
has the same structure. After a while, the reading became annoying. The obvious structure
distracted
from the content.

There is good material in the chapters and the writing style makes the advice easy to grasp. For
the
beginner in this field of reading and personal growth, there is good value here. The advanced
reader
may find this read too simplistic.

The Geeks of War
John Edwards
AMACOM
ISBN: 0814408524, $24.00, 221 pages

Fascinating Insights into Military Technology

A nation at war focuses media attention on the technology that protects our warfighters, provides
an
advantage over the enemy, and protects the homeland. Interest in the development of technology
to
improve our lives is intense, and in demand. "If we can send a man to the moon, why can't
we ...?

In Geeks, John Edwards, a veteran business technology journalist, takes us on a fascinating ride
through a rich resource of developments. While these inventions, creations, products, and
emerging
technologies are initially designed to enhance military effectiveness, a large proportion have
civilian
applications that can significantly improve our quality of life.

Readers will enjoy an eye-opening tour through seven (chapters) technological arenas. After a
relatively slow start through the introduction - interesting, but not exciting, we begin with a look
at
tactical systems. Finding things and breaking them is the way the author describes this aspect of
war
- an apt description. With our imaginations tickled by the creativity and possibilities of these
almost-science fiction advances, we continue our journey with a look at how information is
gathered
and applied. More and more of the civilian applications leap from the pages. We begin to wonder
how many of these hi-tech (OK, geeky) ideas are actually reality already, and how many are still in
the design phase.

The book explores developments in telecommunications (like ad hoc wireless networks),
reconnaissance (a robot that can fly), disaster relief (mass casualty treatment), and easily
transferable
health, medicine, and biotechnology advances (QuikClot to stop serous bleeding). Logistics,
security, and clothing are covered in the final three chapters. As you near the end of the book,
your
eyes - and mind - may glaze over in amazement and intellectual overload. The intriguing research
into intelligence and high-tech clothing will hold your attention.

A valuable glossary follows the text, a welcome tool. The book is well-indexed, a helpful feature
when you want to find something to discuss with someone else. And you probably will! The
surprisingly enjoyable book - I didn't expect such an imaginative work that was highly readable at
the same time - will be of interest to young and old, military and not. Innovators in all fields will
find
the text stimulating. You won't find political statements or innuendos, just straight reporting.

Is China's growth and development affecting your life? Of course, it is! You would not believe
how
many different ways you are affected every day - directly and indirectly - by what is happening in
this
huge country on the other side of the globe. Shenkar, an international scholar focused on China
and
East Asia is a perfect guide to take you on a journey of discovery. You'll be fascinated.

The book begins with a look at past centuries, to better understand this one. The first couple of
chapters provide an enlightening understanding of the what and the why that will equip you to
amaze friends with your lucid conversation about China. Historically, China has important
relationships with Japan (a former conqueror), and the dragons. You'll learn about that aspect of
China before you dive into an exploration of technological development.

Shenkar does a great job of covering the waterfront. As I pondered specific pieces of the China
puzzle, our author provided the answers. Relationships with American companies, job migration,
and possible scenarios for the future. I can not testify that this is a complete book - I'm sure there
are a number of subjects that Shenkar didn't cover. However, what he does cover in this book will
give you an invaluable understanding of China: its people, its potential, its problems, and its
power.

What you learn in the pages of this book will alter your view of the world and stimulate your
thinking about your future. Regardless of your position in life or where you live on the planet,
your
future will be influenced by what is happening in China today. Read this book - soon - or be
doomed
to follow or disappear from the picture altogether. The choice is yours.

The premise of this book is simple: trust and relationships. The author's contention is that we are
in
an era of customer power. Customers have numerous choices of where they shop - and where
they
buy - for practically all their goods and services. This highly desirable situation, from the position
of
the buyer, can be challenging for the seller. No longer can companies take customers - or
customer
loyalty - for granted. A new design is called for.

The new theory, postulated by Glen Urban, a professor at MIT's Sloan School of Management, is
customer advocacy. He calls his approach "Theory A - for advocacy. The concept is disarmingly
simple, but is explained in over 200 pages. Put simply, relationships are not enough by themselves.
You must build sufficient trust with your customer that you can legitimately advocate for your
customer - taking the customer's best interest position in providing the right merchandise and
service at all times.

To achieve this position, truly working on behalf of the trusting customer, takes a culture change
in
most organizations. Leadership development is key to success of Theory A, as is cross-cultural
cooperation. In his book, Urban shows the reader how to accomplish these changes in an
organization to become customer advocates.

The profession of personal coaching has exploded over the past decade, following the
establishment
of the field by the late Thomas Leonard, founder of CoachU. A number of sub-categories of the
profession have been developed by specialists who began their own educational programs, bodies
of
knowledge, and certifications. Marcia Bench is one of those specialists, concentrating on the vital
field of career coaching.

In addition to her personal coaching of hundreds of clients, Bench formed the Career Coach
Institute, a virtual training organization pioneering this part of the coaching field. The Institute
was
founded in 2001; this book was published in 2003 to share Bench's perspectives, positioning, and
body of knowledge.

The first part of the book is devoted to a thorough explanation of coaching and, more specifically,
career coaching. While the focus is on individual professionals coaching individual private clients,
the concept has broader application in working with students, recent graduates, and corporate
employees.

Bench and her followers emphasize what they call "authentic vocations." Their design includes
eight
factors: life purpose; values; motivators and interests; knowledge, skills, and abilities; work and
other expertise; job/career targets; work environment; and business reality. Each of these factors
is
discussed in a separate chapter.

For anyone in the field of career coaching, or considering the field, this book is a valuable
resource.

I'm a reviewer of business books. I don't read much outside that genre, because I haven't really
found that many books that really seem worth my time. A friend suggested I read Bath Pond, and
I
felt uncomfortable right away. "Bath Pond," what kind of title is that? What am I getting into?
But,
friendship being what it is, I agreed.

Almost from the beginning, I was pulled into this book. The writing style is easy to flow with -
almost too contrived in the dialog in a few places. But, captivating! I'll admit to actually giving up
some work time to return to the pages of this historical novel. When tears begin to well up just
from
reading words on a page, something's happening. This writer has a way of engaging the reader
that
makes this book worthy of my highest recommendation.

The storyline is the tale of a family growing up in Florida in the Depression and the decades that
followed. From literally having nothing but each other, a young couple build an inspiring life in the
cattle, farming, and citrus business that characterizes Florida's history. Joy and tragedy take the
reader on a roller-coaster ride of real-life experiences that are vividly portrayed. I found myself
emotionally involved a number of times, even when trying to be dispassionate about my reading.
Teal obviously used his background - growing up in the environment he writes about - to good
measure.

A book I tried to avoid became a favorite. For some great appreciation of a slice of history rarely
seen, a very human story of people so real you can almost talk with them,

and an opportunity to reflect on your own life, read Bath Pond.

Roger E. Herman, Reviewer
http://www.hermangroup.com

Sharon's Bookshelf

Garden Stone: Creative Ideas, Practical Projects, And Inspiration For Purely Decorative Uses by
expert gardening and award-winning gardening writer Barbara Pleasant showcases garden
stonework from gardens in all parts of North America illustrating what can be done in diverse
geographical locations and climates. Instructional line drawings provide the reader with a wealth
of
practical, applicable information to devise, develop, and construct their own garden oriented stone
projects. Enhanced with more than 50 photo portraits and descriptions highlighting plants that are
especially effective when used in the company of stone, Garden Stone offers instructive advice on
using stone when creating steps, walls, boundary definitions, and mood settings for gardens. More
than 40 projects are presented to illustrate the manifold uses of stone to beautify the garden and
give
opportunity for gardeners to reveal their own unique and enduring artistic expressions. Garden
Stone is a welcome and specialized addition to any personal, professional, or community library
Gardening/Landscaping reference book collection.

Subtitled "His Life, His Art & Collections with Inspirations and Patterns for Creative American
Folk
Crafts", Warren Kimble American Folk Artist is a 144-page pictorial showcase of Warren
Kimble's
gallery and museum shop in Brandon, Vermont. A part of the "Signature Artist Series" from the
Landauer Corporation, Warren Kimble American Folk Artist showcases the artistic wit and
whimsy
of one of American's foremost living folk artists and is nicely organized into four section: "Warren
Kimble: Introduction" providing a biographical overview of his life and accomplishments with a
text
enhanced by personal photographs, "Art" covering his projects depicting animals, fruits, florals,
landscapes, seascapes, and Red, White & Blue patriotic themes, "Antiques & Collectibles", and
"Folk Crafts & Inspirations". Profusely and wonderfully illustrated throughout with full color
photography, Warren Kimble American Folk Artist will serve as an effective and informative
introduction to the life and work of a unique and imaginative contemporary American artist.
Highly
recommended and thoroughly enjoyable reading!

Carolo Colloid is the pseudonym of Carlo Lorenzini (1826-1890), an Italian journalist whose
translations of French fairy tales in the late 1870s became so popular that he wrote his own, "Le
Avventure di Pinocchio" (The Adventures of Pinocchio) in 1881 which went on to become a
children's classic around the world and in 1940 was the basis for the animated film by Walt
Disney.
Now a new edition of this magnificent and imaginative fairy tale has been superbly illustrated by
Roberto Innocenti with intricate artwork of museum gallery quality. This is the original story that
includes all of Pinocchio's travels including getting ambushed by vile assassins, strung up in a tree,
drowned in the sea, nursed back to health by a beautiful blue-haired fairy, slaying a large serpent
through laughter, chained up as a dog to catch thieving weasels, arrested for fighting with
classmates, almost eaten by a ravenous fisherman, saving a great mastiff and being saved by the
mastiff in return, morphing into a performing donkey, flying on the back of a pigeon, getting
swallowed by a gigantic shark, saving Geppetto's life, and so much more that most readers will be
completely unaware of if the only contact they've had with this sophisticated story is the Disney
movie and the abbreviated children's picture book versions. This simply outstanding and
enthusiastically recommended edition of The Adventures Of Pinocchio does full and complete
justice
to the wonder and storytelling skills that originally made the life and travails of a wooden puppet
brought to life so universally beloved.

A vital part of treating cancer and preventing its recurrence is a diet of healthy, nourishing food
that
is properly prepared. Now the American Cancer Society has produced a compendium of hundreds
of
recipes that are particularly suited for purpose. Each recipes is a low-fat delight offering
substantive
nutritional value, variety, and taste. The recipes comprising The American Cancer Society's
Healthy
Eating Cookbook range from Mozzarella-Vegetable Canapes; Moscow Borscht; Yogurt Tomato
Salad; Fruited Chicken Breasts; and Fillet of Sole with Dill Sauce; to Stuffed Shells with Beef and
Tomato Sauce; Sesame Kebobs; Caribbean Chili; Sweet Potatoes with Apples; English Muffin
Loaves; and Blueberry Peach Crisp. Enhanced with health tips, cooking ideas, healthy food
substitutions, and cancer screening guidelines, The American Cancer Society's Healthy Eating
Cookbook is a "user friendly" and welcome addition to any kitchen cookbook collection, but
especially recommended for families having to deal with cancer and its aftermath.

Sharon Stuart
Reviewer

Sullivan's Bookshelf

"When the universe was very young," writes Bodanis, "in the first moments after th Big Bang,
powerful charged electrons began to pour out of the swirling furnace that filled empty space.
Many
became part of simple hydrogen atoms that tumbled through the cosmos and ended up within
huge
stars." And thus the story of electricity begins.

Electricity is created when one or more of the negatively charged electrons that usually orbit the
positively charged nucleus within an atom are pulled away and sent in another direction. This is
merely the reviewer's over simplified understanding, after perusing the book under discussion, of
how electricity really works. Naturally, the explanation totally ignores electrical fields, waves, and
other electrical phenomena. The book, though,will fill any reader's knowledge gaps and do it in a
fun, nonacademic, yet understandable way.

The word 'shocking' in the volume's subtitle is a double entendre, mostly tongue in cheek. The
stories told of the developers of electricity, however, are serious and downright interesting. The
author relays information about Volta and his electric battery and William Sturgeon and his
magnet.
With that device, as the tale continues, Joseph Henry entertained and got the attention of his
unruly,
but curious, students.

The book then details the great communicators of their day: Alexander Graham Bell and his
telephone, Samuel Morse and his telegraph, and Cyrus Field and his transatlantic underwater
cable
used to communicate with the rest of the world. Of course, they all had to deal with
electricity.

Not to be overlooked, and Bodanis doesn't, are the scientists Edison, Faraday, Hertz, Maxwell,
Turing, and several others all of whose developments came about thanks to electricity. And the
stories continue with the more modern applications of electricity, or electronics, in radio, radar,
television, and computers. Bodanis also elaborates on the uses of electricity in animal and human
brains.

Unlike other books of this kind, in which readers never learn what became of the principal players
in
the story, Bodanis has a separate section near the book's end that briefly completes the person's
story. Moreover, his endnotes are well written, interesting, and worth reading, too.

A Chicagoan by birth, Bodanis now lives in London. He taught at Oxford Unversity for several
years. His most recent earlier book was the acclaimed E=MC2.

The author refers to himself as an EHM, an Economic Hit Man. This is an allusion to a Mafia hit
man. But Perkins didn't shoot people with a gun. He did, however, impact heads of state by
causing
enomous sums of money to be thrust at them in the form of large develoment loans.

Perkins briefly begins the tale telling of his normal, and somewhat sheltered, youth and early
schooling. But primarily he writes about his work life during the 1970s, '80s, and '90s, down to
the
present.

Immediately upon graduation from college in 1968, he served a year in Ecuador, South America
for
the Peace Corps, at that time a new U.S. volunteer service. Then, by dint of his coincidental
meeting
with some well-connected individuals, he's offered a position with an international economic
consultiing firm called MAIN.

For that firm, Perkins went around the globe to various underdeveloped countries, like Indonesia,
Panama, Columbia, and Iran. In each, he'd spend time doing economic research on that country's
electric needs. Based on his and colleagues' wildly optimistic projected industrial growth patterns
as
those countries were developed to their fullest capacity, he would propose large and expensive
electrical grid requirements.

Such a forecast would then justify immense loans to that country. Once the borrowing occurred,
that
nation's leaders, and its citizens, would be beholden to the U.S. global empire: in other words, to
its
corportions, its banks, and its government. The author refers to that emprie as the
'corporatocracy.'

When need be, borrowers, particularly that country's leaders, who grew wealthy, albeit illegally,
as a
matter of course in the loan pocess, would also provide any and all favors requested of them by
the
corporatocracy. In short, the leaders had been, in effect, bought.

For those country's leaders who saw such money lending for what it really was, bribery, and
refused
it, jackals, CI¸ operatives, would come into the country and convince those leaders that the best
course of action was to borrow the money offered or else. And, finally, if that tactic didn't work,
armed invasion could and often would happen to that country.

Of course, when those major loans were made to undeveloped countries, to fulfill Perkins' fantasy
forecasts for economic growth, the IMF, the World Bank, and the other international lending
institutions were the primary money sources. Everyone knew the gigantic loans could never be
paid
off. But this, from the '60s onward, had become the preferred U.S. method of waging the war for
global empire. Remember that the 'Cold War' was raging at this time.

After a nation defaulted on its big loans, that country's common citizens suffered the most. The
poor
people had to live with the austerities imposed by the international lenders.

Once Perkins finally realized just who was getting hurt, his conscience got the better of him, and
he
resigned his job. Eventually, he decided that the best thing he could possibly do to help poor
citizens
of undeveloped countries was to tell his story.

But is it true? Newspaper headlines and history would seem to bear him out. Proving it through
documention, though, might be difficult. Yet the circumstantial evidence is overwhelming.

He writes, "[...] The book was dedicated to the presidents of two countries, men who had been
my
clients, whom I respected and thought of as kindred spirits--Jamie Roldos, president of Ecuador,
and
Omar Torrijos, president of Panama. Both had just died in fiery crashes. Their deaths were not
accidental. They were assassinated because they opposed that fraternity of corporate,
government,
and banking heads whose goal is global empire. We EHMs failed to bring Roldos and Torrijos
around, and the other type of hit men, the CIA-sanctioned jackals who were always right behind
us,
stepped in."

Today, John Perkins lectures on the subjects in this volume and on peace matters. The author,
incidentally, had a difficult time, for obvious reasons no doubt, to find a mainline (please excuse
the
reference to 'main') publisher to accept the manuscript and to print it. Berrett-Koehler Publishers,
Inc. courageously stepped in to do the job.

Highly recommended.

Jim Sullivan
Reviewer

Taylor's Bookshelf

Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and
well-known theologian, presents Introduction to Christianity, a simple discourse of Christianity's
basic precepts combined with a thorough understanding of Scripture and the history of theology.
Written in straightforward contemporary language ideal for the lay reader, Introduction to
Christianity addresses biblical beliefs, the doctrine of redemption through the saving grace of
Jesus
Christ, and basic tenets of the creed in Jesus Christ, and many other basic topics relevant to core
Christian beliefs. Topical and scriptural indexes round out this valuable, down-to-earth summary
of
great use to anyone interested in learning more about Christianity, including those who have been
surrounded by it all their lives but who want to come to a better understanding from the simplest
concepts and their origins onward.

The Circle of Life: The Heart's Journey Through the Seasons is a deeply spiritual work of
reverence
and worship that draws upon the cycle of Earth's four seasons as a means of connecting with its
sacred center. Poems, brief song verses, color illustrations, meditations, thoughts for rekindling
one's
faith, questions for individual reflection and more compose this guide for finding the divine all
around, and offering its profound message of love, respect, wonder, and praise for life to readers
of
all faiths. "Teardrops of Growth": April is soaking the world / with her spring tears. / They patter
softly on the roof, / clinging to silent windows. / Gently they fall into soil / diligently turned / and
ready for watering...

Using the metaphor of the garden, A Down To Earth Bible Study For Growing In God's Kingdom
by Joanne Taylor (a dedicated Christian who creates and maintains gardens for her clients in the
suburbs of Philadelphia and teaches inner-city children the joys of gardening though the "Grow in
Peace" program) is unique biblical studies workbook that combines day-to-day gardening tips
with
biblical concepts with the gardening oriented imagery, language, and tasks of reaping and sowing,
weathering storms, planting seeds, etc. Twelve "reader friendly" Bible lessons comprising this
novel
but effective approach for non-specialist general students. The include "The Master Gardener",
"The
Seeds of Success", "God's Majestic Landscapes", "The Forces of Nature", Enemies in the
Garden",
"The Need for Pruning", "Hardscapes", "Homegrown", "Garden Talk", "Edible Gardens",
"Seasons
Come and Seasons Grow", and "Get Ready to Grow!". A consumable workbook, A Down To
Earth
Bible Study For Growing In God's Kingdom is ideal for either small group or individual adult
biblical studies. Also available from AMG Publishers and very highly recommended to the
Christian
community is My Prayer-Buddy Journal (0899570666, $10.99).

Written by a theologist who teaches in the Christianity and Culture Program at Saint Michael's
College, University of Toronto, Spiritual But Not Religious? An Oar Stroke Closer to the Farther
Shore, is an exploration of diversely plural religious beliefs. Inviting the contemplative individual
to
consider institutions such as the Christian church and other religious institutions not as obstacles
to
knowing faith, but as rafts that gradually bring one an oar stroke closer to the farthest shore. A
profound contemplation and mediation of differing specifics in pursuit of a general goal -
reverence
and love for the Divine.

Written by St. Theodore the Studite during the iconoclastic controversy of the eighth-ninth
century,
On The Holy Icons is a powerful rebuttal of iconoclasm with profound repercussions to the
present
day. St. Theodore argued passionately that to reject the Christian veneration of images is to deny
God's incarnation, which is what makes human salvation possible; to say the Christ cannot be
portrayed is to say that He was not truly man, and humanity was not truly united with God in
Him.
An introduction and a select bibliography round out this enduring text, which is divided into three
intense refutation of iconoclasts. A serious-minded and faithful work of theology that grappled
with
a pressing spiritual issue of its era and truly survives the test of time; very highly recommended for
church libraries and theology reference shelves.

Originally published in 1981 and now in a newly revised edition, Spirituality Of The Beatitutdes:
Matthew's Vision For The Church In An Unjust World by Capuchin-Franciscan priest Michael H.
Crosby explores the message of Jesus Christ in terms directly relevant to the late 20th century and
beyond. Especially revealing the meaning and essence of Matthew's Gospel, Spirituality Of The
Beatitudes reveals in depth the philosophies and some contradicting opinions concerning the
classic
and well-known refrains, "Blessed are the poor in spirit" (notes point out that Matthew was
exceptional in his conviction that doing good works led those of wavering or little faith to
salvation);
"Blessed are the nonviolent; they will inherit the Earth"; "Blessed are the peacemakers; they will
be
called the children of God" and more. The discussions, although sometimes evaluating complex
ideals and varied scriptural and historical resources, are fully accessible to lay readers. A welcome
contribution to spirituality and Christian studies shelves.

Written by a theology lecturer at the University of Wales, Lampeter, Discovering Saint Patrick is
a
religious and biographical study of Saint Patrick, that strives to understand as much as possible
about his life, his impact on history, how he influenced the development of Irish Catholicism, and
much more. Thoroughly researched, drawing heavily on original sources as well as directly from
scripture, Discovering Saint Patrick approaches the life and times of the famous saint with a
scholarly eye for detail and as much corroboration and verification as reasonably possible. A
welcome contribution to church libraries and biographical collections of holy figures, and a
"must-read" for anyone who is curious to understand what St. Patrick's Day is really all
about.

The collaborative effort of George W. E. Nickelsburg (Professor Emeritus, University of Iowa)
and
James C. VanderKam (John A. O'Brien Professor of Hebrew Scriptures, University of Notre
Dame,
Indiana), 1 Enoch: A New Translation is an invaluable work and a welcome addition to Biblical
Studies. Based on the Hermeneia commentary, 1 Enoch is divided into five sections, followed by
two brief appendices: The Book of the Watchers, The Book of Parables, The Book of the
Luminaries, The Dream Visions, The Epistle of Enoch, The Birth of Noah, and Another Book by
Enoch. Different sections portray the evolution of stages of Enochic tradition, which are linked by
a
common world view that considers the present world incurably corrupt and unjust, in need of
divine
judgment and renewal. Claiming to transmit divine revelation, as given to Enoch in primordial
times
and made public in the last days to perpetuate the community of the chosen, 1 Enoch is translated
with every effort to present ancient writings as clearly and intelligibly to the reader as possible.
Extensive footnotes, annotations and reference allow this complex script to be comprehensible to
lay
readers (with effort), and 1 Enoch: A New Translation is an enthusiastically recommended
primary
source for religious studies and reference shelves.

The Bible and the Business of Life is an anthology of essays by a variety of authors celebrating the
65th birthday of Robert Banks, and honor his retirement as Director of Macquarie Christian
Studies
Institute at Macquarie University. Grouped into three categories of exegesis, ecclesiology, and
everyday life, the essays include "'Hallowed Be Your Name' (Matt 6:9): Reflections on the First
Petition of the Lord's Prayer", "All Are Called: The Universal Vocation of the People of God",
"Domestic Spirituality: Jonathan Edwards on Love, Marriage and Family Life" and many more.
Scholarly in their evaluation of sometimes complex canonical, theological, and spiritual topics,
The
Bible and the Business of Life is a welcome and timely contribution to Christian studies shelves
due
to its scrutiny being grounded in the perspective of the twenty-first century yet willing to learn
from
the wisdom of history.

Heinz-Joachim Fischer is the leading Vatican journalist and Rome correspondent for one of
Germany's premiere daily newspapers. With Pope Benedict XVI: A Personal Portrait, Fischer
provides an informed and informative first-hand account of the new Pope's astonishing life and
ministry. From simple, humble believer, Joseph Ratzinger, the man who became Pope Benedict
XVI
evolved into a world respected theologian, a Cardinal of the Church, the unwavering Prefect of
the
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and a primary confident of the late John Paul II. A
theologically trained correspondent, Fischer proves himself to be an ideal biographer of the new
Pope of the Roman Catholic Church as he presents the history of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger for
three decades, culminating in his being elevated to the Papacy, facing the problems and
opportunities
for the Catholic Church in the 21st Century. Both professionally and personally, Fischer knows
the
new Pope very well, and is able to place life story of the new Pope within the intricacies of
Vatican
City and the Catholic Church with an insider's insights. Pope Benedict XVI is very highly
recommended reading, especially for those not yet acquainted with the life story of the newest
Roman Catholic Pope.

Written by a journalist and graduate of St. Mary's College, Catholic Schools Then and Now is a
straightforward discussion and description of Catholic schools in the twenty-first century,
intended
especially for parents of all faiths who may be considering a Catholic school education for their
children. Describing some surprising changes in the focus of Catholic schools - which are less
"villain" focused today and emphasize love for all rather than the militant protection of the Faith in
Protestant country - Catholic Schools Then and Now is filled with vignettes and answers from
Catholic school teachers and workers concerning everything from religious beliefs taught to basic
curriculum to responses to the September 11th attacks. A "School Compatibility list" of key
questions parents are encouraged to ask of Catholic school administrators, such as "What
complaints or issues has the parent group raised in the past five years?" and "What is taught about
abortion/birth control/homosexuality?" is an extremely useful tool for illuminating whether a
specific
school is right for an individual family. An inset collection of black-and-white photographs rounds
out this "must-read" introduction strongly recommended for anyone who needs to learn more
about
what Catholic schools are like today.

John Taylor
Reviewer

Vogel's Bookshelf

Doug Thorburn specializes in identifying early-stage addictions to drugs and alcohol. Founder of
the
PrevenTragedy Foundation (which is dedicated to preventing the tragic results of progressive
alcoholism), Thorburn draws upon his many years of experience and expertise to write four
critically
important books on the subject of alcoholism. Alcoholism Myths And Realities: Removing The
Stigma Of Society's Most Destructive Disease (0967578825, $14.95) explores and debunks more
than one hundred commonly held myths about alcohol and drug addition including the popular
misconceptions that alcoholics lack willpower, that proper parenting and involvement can prevent
alcoholism, that successful people can't be alcoholics, and that being an alcoholic can explain all of
a
person's failures in life. How To Spot Hidden Alcoholics: Using Behavioral Clues To Recognize
Addiction In Its Early Stages (0967578868, $14.95) considers why most attempts by alcoholics to
stop drinking end in failure and relapse. Thorburn lays out all of the "early warning signs" of
alcoholism including lying or twisted logic, belittling others, being unusually accident prone,
assigning inappropriate blame to others, and encountering recurrent financial difficulties. Drunks,
Drugs & Debits: How To Recognize Addicts And Avoid Financial Abuse (0967578833, $19.95)
reveals that we all have been and are affected by people with addictive behaviors and conditions.
The reader learns how entire fortunes can be lost due to becoming involved with alcoholics and
other drug addicts. Why non-addicts must uncompromisingly disenable and deny anyone as soon
as
addiction is indicated. Thorburn goest on to provide sixty behaviors, signs and symptoms of
addiction to help the reader protect against financial devastation at the hands of an alcoholic or
addict, including what actions to take when separating one's financial life from that of the
alcoholic
or addict. Get Out Of The Way!: How To Identify And Avoid A Drive Under The Influence
(0967578841, $12.95) should be considerd required reading in every high-school driver education
program in the country. Drunk drivers take an hourly toll of shattered lives and brutal deaths
every
day and night of the year. Now readers will discover how to identify and avoid the one out of
every
fifty vehicles on the road being driven by someone legally under the influence of alcohol; how to
observe inconsiderate road behaviors and avoid being a victim of them, how to protect themselves
and their loved ones from the most dangerous drivers on the road; why "road rage" is just
someone
having a bad day; and why alcoholic beverages and many prescription medicines can cause
destructive behaviors directed at family members, coworkers, and the other drivers on our nation's
highways. All four of these outstanding and strongly recommended titles are written in thoroughly
accessible language ideal for the non-specialist general readers. No community library system
should
be without their own copies of Alcoholism Myths And Realities; How To Spot Hidden
Alcoholics;
Drunks, Drugs And Debits; and Get Out Of The Way!

Holiness and Masculinity in the Middle Ages is a compilation of scholarly essays that examine
medieval masculinity and identity in a religious, spiritual, sanctified or "holy" context. Sample
writings include "Matronly Monks: Theodoret of Cyrrhus' Sexual Imagery in the Historia
Religiosa",
"Holy Eunuchs! Masculinity and Eunuch Saints in Byzantium", "The Significance of the Tonsure",
and more. A handful of black-and-white illustrations and extensive notes and research underscore
these meticulously thought-out discussions of masculinity in medieval times as a source of
validation
or anxiety. An eye-opening view of medieval culture, and a welcome balance to more numerous
discussions of "holy" femininity in medieval times.

Graphs Maps Trees: Abstract Models for a Literary Theory is a bold and revolutionary approach
to
literary scholarship. Stanford University literature teacher Franco Moretti argues passionately that
for too long, those who study literature have restricted themselves to a narrow handful of canon
texts, thus allowing their view of literary history to be terribly distorted by a skewed sample base.
Instead, Moretti claims, the discipline should start charting, graphing, and mapping themes and
trends of larger literature samples, in order to systematically reveal trends and a larger picture.
Drawing heavily on research and seamlessly blending the critical objectivity of mathematics with
more traditional forms of literary evaluation, Graphs Maps Trees is a breath of fresh air and
enthusiastically recommended for college literary studies and reference shelves, due to its daring
challenge to the status quo.

Written by Richard Southall, who has engaged in publishing about type and typography since the
1960s, Printer's Type in the Twentieth Century: Manufacturing and Design Methods is a scholarly
examination the past hundred years on the industry of type manufacture. In the last years of the
nineteenth century, type manufacture transformed from an individualized craft to an industrial
process, and complex mechanical systems to create text quickly arose into being. Yet a century
later,
with the advent of laser printers and image-setters, type manufacture became a craft process once
again, this time with computer displays and software taking the place of physical metal parts with
letters stamped into them. Printer's Type in the Twentieth Century covers the evolution of
everything from hand punch-cutting through hot metal to laser image-setting and the PostScript
revolution, with numerous typeface samples to illustrate its points. Not content merely to recite
events of modern history, Printer's Type in the Twentieth Century also offers theoretical views on
the evolution of type and typography, as well as scholarly narration. A superb resource, history,
and
repository of vision for anyone with a keen interest in the type and typesetting fields.

On Assignment is a collection of black-and-white and a few color photographs by Esther Bubley,
one of America's leading photojournalists who free-lanced for national magazines from the 1940's
to
the 1960's. Enhanced with a narrative essay describing the working and daily life of a
photojournalist
in an era before television became as prolific as it is today, On Assignment is remarkable in how
its
images perfectly capture the subjects, from stills depicting a life-saving emergency tracheotomy to
work at a Pepsi-cola refinery to the gracious opportunity for a rare portraits around the home
allowed to her by renowned genius Albert Einstein. An emotional, vivid, and exquisitely
memorable
monograph.

Sinners & Saints is a compendium of homeo-erotic images in which photographer Anthony
Gayton
pays homage to the iconography of the male in the tradition of pictorialist photography. From
romanticized mythic imagery, to Victorian style nudes, to stylized contemporary pin-ups, the
visual
theme of eternal masculine beauty and desire is provided from beginning to end without textual
interruption. Enhanced with a bi-lingual essay on "Youth, Beauty And Desire: The Photographic
Work of Anthony Gayton" by Peter Weiermair, Sinners & Saints is an impressive body of work
and
a recommended addition to personal, professional, academic, and community library 20th Century
Photography collections.

House Framing: Plan, Design, Build by housing construction expert John Wagner clearly and
coherently lays out illustrated construction techniques that will enable any do-it-yourself
enthusiast
to built a room addition, install windows and doors, finish a basement, create a shed, or construct
a
garage. More than 55 detailed step-by-step construction techniques are enhanced with more than
750 photos and illustrations that guide the reader through every layout and framing process. In
addition to framing techniques for building floors, walls, and roofs, as well as "how to"
information
on steel framing, stairs, windows, and doors, the reader is provided with up-to-date information
on
the best tools and materials for their building project. House Framing is a welcome and invaluable
addition to any personal or community library Architecture, Design & Construction reference
collection.